--- title: "NQSO vs. ISO: Which tax treatment is best for you?" description: Tax treatment of stock options image: http://frazerllp.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/hero-windmill.jpg --- - [![Frazer, LLP. Certified Public Accountants and Consultants](http://frazerllp.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/header-logo-frazer.jpg)](http://frazerllp.com) - [Client Portal](http://70061.netlinksolution.com) | - - - - [![Frazer LLP](http://frazerllp.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/header-logo-frazer.jpg "Frazer LLP")](http://www.frazerllp.com) - [Home](http://frazerllp.com/) - [About](http://frazerllp.com/about/) - [Our People](http://frazerllp.com/about/our-people/) - [Moore Stephens](http://frazerllp.com/about/moore-stephens/) - [Services](http://frazerllp.com/services/) - [Assurance](http://frazerllp.com/services/assurance/) - [Tax](http://frazerllp.com/services/tax/) - [Asset Accumulation & Preservation](http://frazerllp.com/services/asset-accumulation-preservation/) - [Consulting](http://frazerllp.com/services/consulting/) - [Industries](http://frazerllp.com/industries/) - [Agriculture](http://frazerllp.com/industries/agriculture/) - [Asian Services](http://frazerllp.com/industries/asian-services/) - [Construction & Engineering](http://frazerllp.com/industries/construction-and-engineering/) - [Dairy](http://frazerllp.com/industries/dairy/) - [Manufacturing & Distribution](http://frazerllp.com/industries/manufacturing-and-distribution/) - [Real Estate](http://frazerllp.com/industries/real-estate/) - [Resources](http://frazerllp.com/resources/) - [E Newsletters](http://frazerllp.com/resources/e-newsletters/) - [Dairy Farm Operating Trends](http://frazerllp.com/resources/dairy-farm-operating-trends/) - [Careers](http://frazerllp.com/about/careers/) - [Contact](http://frazerllp.com/contact/) - [Blog](https://blog.frazerllp.com) # [NQSO vs. ISO: Which tax treatment is best for you?](https://blog.frazerllp.com/nqso-iso-which-tax-treatment-is-best-for-you) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The tax treatment of NQSOs differs from that of their better-known counterpart, ISOs. With nonqualified stock options (NQSOs), if the stock appreciates beyond your exercise price, you can buy shares at a price *below* what they’re trading for. This is the same as for the perhaps better-known incentive stock options (ISOs). The *tax* treatment of NQSOs, however, differs from that of ISOs: NQSOs create compensation income — taxed at ordinary-income rates — on the “bargain element” (the difference between the stock’s fair market value and the exercise price) when exercised. This is regardless of whether the stock is held or sold immediately. Also, NQSO exercises don’t create an alternative minimum tax (AMT) preference item that can trigger AMT liability. When you exercise NQSOs, you may need to make estimated tax payments or increase withholding to fully cover the tax. Keep in mind that an exercise could trigger or increase exposure to top tax rates, the additional 0.9% Medicare tax and the 3.8% net investment income tax. Have tax questions about NQSOs or other stock-based compensation? Call your Frazer tax advisor in Brea (714.990.1040) or Visalia (559.732.4135). Topics: [Tax](https://blog.frazerllp.com/topic/tax), [Stock Options](https://blog.frazerllp.com/topic/stock-options) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Popular Posts # Contact Information 2400 E. Katella Ave., Suite 900 Anaheim, CA 92806 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2400+E+Katella+Ave,+Anaheim,+CA+92806/@33.8066853,-117.8873673,16z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x80dcd79ee99bf0a1:0x50f998f0f1c58921!8m2!3d33.8045502!4d-117.8823462) [714.990.1040](tel:714-990-1040)    [714.671.1041](tel:714-671-1041) 2250 W. Main Street Visalia, CA 93291 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/2250+W+Main+St,+Visalia,+CA+93291/@36.330045,-119.3184008,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x80952f57cac752fd:0x7444b74631c07e4!2m2!1d-119.316255!2d36.330045) [559.732.4135](tel:559-732-4135)    [559.732.7140](tel:559-732-7140)