On May 8, 2015, the Office of Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service released Chief Counsel Advice Memorandum No. 201519031 (available here) describing the difference in tax consequences of a disposition of shares acquired upon exercise of an incentive stock option in a merger that constitutes a reorganization as compared to a merger that does not constitute a reorganization. The IRS Office of Chief Counsel generally advised that where the shares are converted into acquirer shares and other consideration during a merger that constitutes a reorganization under Section 368(a), for purposes of gain recognition and holding period requirements, there is no disposition of the shares. However, there is a disposition of the shares where the merger does not constitute a reorganization under Section 368(a) (and neither Section 354 nor Section 356 applies).

Print:
Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn
Photo of Colleen Hart Colleen Hart

Colleen Hart is a partner in the Tax Department and a member of the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group.

Colleen advises companies, executives and boards on complex executive compensation matters. She offers a multidisciplinary approach to compensation and benefits issues with a…

Colleen Hart is a partner in the Tax Department and a member of the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group.

Colleen advises companies, executives and boards on complex executive compensation matters. She offers a multidisciplinary approach to compensation and benefits issues with a focus on tax planning, securities laws and corporate governance. Matters she handles include the negotiation, structuring and implementation of employment and change-in-control agreements and deferred compensation, equity and incentive compensation plans. She advises on golden parachute and deduction limitation rules, securities reporting, registration and disclosure requirements and California employment laws. In addition, Colleen has extensive experience advising clients on compensation and benefits issues arising in mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, bankruptcies and finance transactions.

Colleen is a contributing author of The 409A Handbook (BNA 2016) and lectures frequently on executive compensation matters. As a U.S. Navy veteran, Colleen devotes a substantial amount of time to organizations that provide legal and support services to U.S. veterans.