ISO Grant
Company gives right to purchase a specified number of shares at a fixed (strike) price for a defined period
Usually 10 years
ISO Spread
FMV @ exercise - strike price
ISO Qualifying Disposition
Held 2 years from grant and 1 year from exercise
Gain taxed as LTCG
ISO Disqualifying Disposition
Spread is taxed as ordinary income
Gain taxed as short or long-term capital gain depending on length held
ISO taxation at exercise
None due, but spread is subject to AMT if FMV is higher than strike price