Equity Compensation from Public / Private Companies

For example, Amanda is age 32 and has just started working for a new startup. Previously, she was at a Fortune 500 tech company but decided to change companies to work for someone with similar passions. Being one of the first employees at the company, she was granted Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) in addition to her salary.

Amanda's Concerns and Challenges

• Amanda was used to getting Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) from her previous employer. However, she is not familiar with Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and does not know how they affect her taxes or future wealth.
• In the past, Amanda has completed her tax return; however, with not knowing much about the Incentive Stock Options (ISOs), she needs assistance with preparing her tax return.
• Amanda is looking to purchase a home and wants to know what would be the best price range based on her income and how she would be able to pay for the home's down payment.

Equity compensation and own a business.

For example, Allen is 34 and works for a tech company located in the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. His wife, Ciara, age 33, owns an online retail business selling custom crafts. The company Allen works for has granted him Non-Qualified Stock Options (NQSOs) and Restricted Stock Options (RSUs).

Allen & Ciara's Concerns and Challenges

• Allen has received these Non-Qualified Stock Option (NQSO) grants from his employer. He believes that they could be worth something later, but is unsure of the tax implications for receiving these grants or how they will impact his financial future.
• Ciara's business is doing really well, but is unsure of how to start saving for retirement and to be tax efficient with her business.
• Allen and Ciara are looking to purchase a new home and to start a family in the near future. They want to know how much home they would be able to afford to be able to start their family.

Individuals with advanced tax planning needs.

For example, James is 65 and is approaching retirement. Mary is 64 and approching retirement as well.

James & Mary's Concerns and Challenges

• James and Mary have multiple retirement accounts (employer plans and individual retirement accounts) and a couple of brokerage accounts. They are were very good savers, but now unsure of the most tax advantageous way to pull the funds from the various accounts.
• James and Mary want to know the best Social Security strategy and how it will affect their taxes when they start pulling money from their retirement accounts.
• James and Mary have an interest in making charitable donations and making gifts to their children and grandchildren. They unsure the best and most tax advantageous way to make the donations and gifts.