Section 409A, the provision of the Internal Revenue Code that regulates the time and form of payment of nonqualified deferred compensation, contains a helpful exception for “short-term deferrals.” Specifically, Section 409A...more
The last two weeks have seen dramatic changes for communities and businesses as COVID-19 has spread to all parts of the world. Significant disruptions for businesses and individuals have become necessary as we work together...more
On Monday, December 16, 2019, the IRS issued proposed regulations under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code to reflect certain changes that were made to Section 162(m) by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017....more
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) significantly amended Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), which generally disallows the deduction of compensation in excess of $1 million paid by a “publicly held corporation” to a...more
We are often asked by our private company clients about making changes to outstanding stock options. In some cases, changes to the number of shares subject to an option are needed, or to the vesting schedule, or to the...more
Here are ten common questions I receive from clients about issuing equity (stock or options) to service providers (advisors/directors/officers/employees/consultants)...more
ISS has published preliminary frequently asked questions related to compensation policies for 2019. Some key observations are noted below. Will any of the quantitative pay-for-performance screens change for 2019?...more
On August 21, 2018, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2018-68, which provides eagerly awaited guidance for changes that were made to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code...more
On December 22, 2017, President Donald Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act), which imposes a new excise tax on certain tax-exempt organizations for compensation paid to their covered employees in excess...more
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act proposed by the US House of Representatives on November 2 (House Bill) proposes major modifications to employee and partner compensation and benefits-related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code,...more
On November 2, 2017, Congressman Kevin Brady of Texas, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Proposed Bill") in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Proposed Bill...more
The House Ways and Means Committee on November 2, 2017, released the proposed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which may have significant impact on the taxation of equity and performance-based compensation for both private and public...more
As the 2017 proxy season approaches, companies may be preparing to solicit shareholder approval for a new, or an amendment to an existing, equity incentive plan. In doing so, companies should keep in mind the positions of...more
On the TV show Futurama, the aged proprietor of the delivery company Planet Express, Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth, had a habit of entering a room where the other characters were gathered and sharing his trademark line,...more
On June 21, 2016, the IRS issued proposed 409A regulations intended to (a) clarify certain provisions of the final 409A regulations that were published in 2008, (b) withdraw and replace provisions in those earlier regulations...more
In an unexpected development, on June 21, 2016, the IRS issued proposed regulations that clarify and modify the final regulations issued in 2007 and the proposed income inclusion regulations issued in 2008. In many cases,...more
In Chief Counsel Advice 201518013 (May 1, 2015) (the "CCA"), the IRS addresses an executive retention bonus that originally vested after three years and was payable in equal installments on the first two anniversaries of the...more