Tax Controversy Concerning Employee Stock Options

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the tax consequences of granting employee stock options. There is much controversy as to the sources of revenues and the date on which revenues are generated. The prevailing view is that taxable income is obtained only when shares acquired as a result of stock options are sold and becomes capital income and not employment related. This has beneficial effects for taxpayers participating in such a programme. They can avoid double taxation on their income, first, when they exercise rights under options, and second, when they sell the acquired shares.