In relation to Jorge's incentive stock options (ISOs), which statement is correct?

In relation to Jorge's incentive stock options (ISOs), which statement is correct?

• A. The tax basis for regular tax purposes includes the exercise price plus appreciation at the exercise date.
• B. The expiration date of Jorge's ISOs cannot exceed 2 years from the date of grant.
• C. If he sold the shares within the required holding periods, he would lose favorable tax treatment.
• D. The favorable tax treatment for ISOs applies only if sold within one year of exercise.

Answer: (C)

The correct statement regarding Jorge's incentive stock options (ISOs) is that if he sold the shares within the required holding periods, he would lose favorable tax treatment. ISOs are designed to provide favorable tax benefits, which are contingent on meeting specific holding period requirements. To qualify for long-term capital gains treatment, an individual must hold the shares acquired through the exercise of ISOs for at least one year after exercise and two years after the grant of the options. Selling the shares before meeting these holding periods would result in a disqualifying disposition, which would subject the gain to ordinary income tax treatment rather than the advantageous long-term capital gains tax rate. Hence, the correct choice highlights the importance of adhering to these holding periods to maintain favorable tax status. In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the rules governing ISOs. For instance, the expiration date of ISOs can exceed two years from the grant date under certain circumstances and does not universally restrict the timeframe to two years. Additionally, the tax basis for regular tax purposes does not include appreciation at the exercise date in the manner described. The favorable tax treatment is specifically linked to holding periods rather than merely a requirement to sell within one year of exercising the options, as indicated in the other

The correct statement regarding Jorge's incentive stock options (ISOs) is that if he sold the shares within the required holding periods, he would lose favorable tax treatment. ISOs are designed to provide favorable tax benefits, which are contingent on meeting specific holding period requirements. To qualify for long-term capital gains treatment, an individual must hold the shares acquired through the exercise of ISOs for at least one year after exercise and two years after the grant of the options. Selling the shares before meeting these holding periods would result in a disqualifying disposition, which would subject the gain to ordinary income tax treatment rather than the advantageous long-term capital gains tax rate. Hence, the correct choice highlights the importance of adhering to these holding periods to maintain favorable tax status.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the rules governing ISOs. For instance, the expiration date of ISOs can exceed two years from the grant date under certain circumstances and does not universally restrict the timeframe to two years. Additionally, the tax basis for regular tax purposes does not include appreciation at the exercise date in the manner described. The favorable tax treatment is specifically linked to holding periods rather than merely a requirement to sell within one year of exercising the options, as indicated in the other