Vesting Planner
Understand your vesting schedule, key deadlines, and tax implications.
This tool is educational only. It is not tax advice. Consult a CPA or tax attorney for your specific situation.
Key Dates
Jun 17, 2026
Jun 17, 2027364 days away
Jun 17, 2030
83(b) Election Deadline
You have 29 days left to file your 83(b) election. Deadline: Jul 17, 2026.
File within 30 days of your grant date to pay tax on the current (usually low) value instead of the value at vesting.
Tax Estimate at Exercise
$0
$4K
$1K
AMT is a rough estimate (28% of spread). Actual AMT depends on your total income, deductions, and filing status.
ISO vs. NSO Comparison
ISO
- • No ordinary income tax at exercise
- • Capital gains treatment if held > 1 year after exercise and > 2 years after grant
- • AMT may apply at exercise
- • 90-day exercise window after leaving
- • Must be an employee to exercise
Est. AMT exposure: $1K
NSO
- • Ordinary income tax on spread at exercise
- • No preferential capital gains treatment
- • No AMT exposure at exercise
- • Longer exercise window after leaving (typically 6–12 months)
- • Can be granted to non-employees
Post-Departure Exercise Window
ISOs typically have a 90-day exercise window after leaving the company. Any unexercised options after this window expire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a vesting cliff?
A cliff is the period before any equity vests. The standard is 1 year. If you leave before the cliff, you typically forfeit all unvested equity.
What is an 83(b) election?
An 83(b) election is a tax filing that lets you pay tax on your equity at its current (usually low) value, rather than at the value when it vests. You must file within 30 days of your grant.
What happens to my equity if I leave before the cliff?
You typically forfeit all unvested equity. The cliff exists to protect the company from short-term employees walking away with equity.
What is the difference between ISO and NSO?
ISOs (Incentive Stock Options) have favorable tax treatment but AMT exposure. NSOs (Non-Qualified Stock Options) trigger ordinary income tax at exercise but no AMT.
What is AMT exposure?
The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) can be triggered when you exercise ISOs. It's the difference between your strike price and the current FMV, multiplied by the number of shares.
How long do I have to exercise my options after leaving?
ISOs typically have a 90-day exercise window. NSOs may have longer windows (6–12 months), depending on your option agreement.
What is a 409A valuation?
The 409A valuation is an independent appraisal of your company's fair market value. It determines the strike price for new option grants and is updated annually.