The AMT Trap

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Updated September 12, 2022
Equity Compensation

When it comes to taxes and equity compensation, one scenario is so dangerous we give it its own section.

​danger​ If you have received an ISO, exercising it may unexpectedly trigger a big AMT billβ€”even before you actually make any money on a sale! If there is a large spread between the strike price and the 409A valuation, you are potentially on the hook for an enormous tax bill, even if you can’t sell the stock. This has pushed people into bankruptcy. It also caused Congress to grant a one-time forgiveness, the odds of which happening again are very low.

​Definition​ The catastrophic scenario where exercising ISOs triggers a large AMT bill, with no ability to sell the stock to pay taxes, is sometimes called the AMT trap. This infamous problem has trapped many employees and bankrupted people during past dot-com busts. Now more people know about it, but it’s still a significant obstacle to plan around.

​new​ In 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which increases AMT exemptions and their phaseout thresholds. This means fewer people will be affected by AMT in 2018 and later than in prior years.*

Note that if your AMT applies to events prior to 2008, you’re off the hook.

Understand this topic and talk to a professional if you exercise ISOs. The AMT trap does not apply to NSOs.

Stock Awards vs. ISOs vs. NSOs

Because the differences are so nuanced, what follows is a summary of the taxes on restricted stock awards, ISOs, and NSOs, from an employee’s point of view.

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