Equity Optimizer

ISO exercise and AMT calculator

For one tax year and one ISO grant. Exercising ISOs and holding the shares past year end does not change your regular tax, but the spread counts toward the alternative minimum tax.

What this calculator does for you
What it does for you
  • Shows the alternative minimum tax (AMT) an ISO exercise would trigger this year, before you commit any money.
  • Finds your no-AMT limit: the most ISOs you can exercise this year for nothing more than the strike price.
  • Adds up the total cash you need, strike price plus tax, so there are no surprises at tax time.
  • Explains every figure the way IRS Form 6251 does, so you can check it or show it to a tax adviser.
How to use it
  1. Pick the tax year and your filing status, and enter this year's wages.
  2. Enter your vested ISOs, their strike price and the latest 409A value per share.
  3. Try different numbers of shares to exercise, or press “Use no-AMT limit”.
  4. Read the three cards first, then the tables below for the detail. Copy the link to save or share.

Look for the next to any field, number or chart for an explanation. New to stock options or the AMT? Read the guide.