Medium1 markMultiple Choice

CPA · Question 01 · Area I: Individual Compliance and Planning

In Year 1, an executive exercises Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) to purchase 1,000 shares of company stock at a strike price of $10 per share when the fair market value is $50 per share. The executive holds the stock through the end of Year 1. For regular tax purposes, no income is recognized in Year 1. Which of the following correctly describes the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) implication for Year 1?

Answer options:

A.

No AMT adjustment is required because the stock was not sold in Year 1.

B.

The executive must include a $40,000 positive adjustment in calculating Alternative Minimum Taxable Income (AMTI).

C.

The executive recognizes $40,000 of ordinary income for regular tax purposes, so no AMT adjustment is needed.

D.

The executive has a $40,000 negative adjustment for AMT purposes to defer the gain.

How to approach this question

Identify the type of option (ISO vs NSO). For ISOs, the bargain element (FMV - Strike) is an AMT preference item added to AMTI in the year of exercise.

Full Answer

B.The executive must include a $40,000 positive adjustment in calculating Alternative Minimum Taxable Income (AMTI).✓ Correct
B
Under IRC §56(b)(3), the favorable tax treatment of ISOs (deferral of gain until sale) does not apply for AMT purposes. The difference between the fair market value of the stock at exercise ($50) and the option price ($10) is $40 per share. $40 * 1,000 shares = $40,000 positive AMT adjustment.

Common mistakes

Confusing ISO rules with NSO rules (where income is recognized for regular tax) or assuming no tax impact until sale.

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