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The Global Insight

Do you need to file 83 B election for stock option grants?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on March 08, 2026

You must file an 83(b) election within 30 days of when you are granted the restricted company stock. The grant date is usually the date the board approves the grant, even if you don’t receive the paperwork right away. Taking advantage of your company stock option plan can help you build wealth.

How does 83b election work?

An 83(b) election allows for the pre-payment of the tax liability on the total fair market value of restricted stock at the time of granting. It is beneficial only if the restricted stock’s value increases in the subsequent years.

What risks are assumed by employees making an 83 B election on a restricted stock grant?

If, after making an §83(b) election, the market value of the restricted shares stays flat (or declines), employees will have accelerated a tax payment without receiving the benefit of converting what would otherwise have been ordinary income into capital gain.

Are 83 B elections only relevant when stock is subject to time based vesting?

The Basic Tax Issue: Note that that Section 83(b) elections are only applicable for stock that is subject to vesting, since grants of fully vested stock will be taxed at the time of the grant. The maximum ordinary income tax rate in 2014 is 39.6%, whereas the maximum long-term capital gains rate in 2014 is 20%.

What happens if you don’t file an 83 B election?

If the employee does not file the Section 83(b) election within 30 days of the grant date, the employee is generally forced to recognize the stock value as income as he or she satisfies the vesting conditions – which will often happen at a time when the stock has appreciated and the amount of taxable income has …

How do I report an 83b election on my taxes?

To make the Section 83(b) Election, file a written statement with the IRS office where you file your return no later than 30 days after the date the property was transferred. You must sign the statement and indicate on it that you are making the choice under section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

How do I report an 83 B election on my taxes?

How do I report income from 83 B election?

You still MUST file the 83(b) election within 30 days with the IRS, it is just NOT attached to your tax return. Please note though that the amounts should be included in your w-2 as income correctly or in box 7 of your 1099Misc and it is considered compensation income and subject to SE taxes.

When does section 83 ( b ) apply to vested stock?

Section 83 (b) elections are applicable to stock that is subject to vesting, since grants of fully vested stock will be taxed at the time of the grant. This election allows you to be taxed at the preferential capital gains tax rate rather than the ordinary income rates.

What do you need to know about Section 83 ( b )?

In summary, a Section 83(b) election is a letter a taxpayer sends to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) letting the IRS know you would like to be taxed on your shares of restricted stock on the date you were granted equity rather than on the date the equity vests.

Is there an IRS Form 83 ( b ) for restricted stock?

Although there are hundreds of formal IRS tax forms, no official form exists for making the 83 (b) election. Your company may have developed a sample form for restricted stock grants (see an example from the law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman).

How much tax do you pay when you file section 83?

You pay ordinary income tax of $370 (i.e., $1,000 x 37%). Because you filed a Section 83 (b) election, you do not have to pay tax when the stock vests, only on the sale.