CCA 200914047: An exercised discounted stock option could not be corrected under section 409A

Plain-English summary

Chief Counsel addressed section 409A treatment of a stock option whose exercise price was set below fair market value on the grant date. The advice explained that section 409A operates independently of sections 451 and 83 and supersedes the general constructive-receipt rules. Its regulations treat discounted options as nonqualified deferred compensation. Notice 2008-113 permits correction by resetting the exercise price before exercise and by the end of the grant year when its other conditions are met. Once the option has been exercised, however, the exercised portion cannot receive that correction even if action is taken during the same tax year.

Ruling snapshot

• Question: Could an already exercised discounted stock option be corrected during the same tax year to avoid section 409A treatment?
• Outcome: Advice given: no, the exercised portion is ineligible for the correction available before exercise.
• Key authorities: IRC §§ 83, 409A, and 451; Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(5)(i)(A); Notice 2008-113.

Full text (IRS public release)

ID: CCA_2009031117162015 Number: 200914047
Release Date: 4/3/2009
Office: -----------------------
UILC: 409A.00-00

From: --------------------
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 5:16:22 PM
To: ---------------------
Cc:
Subject: 409A

Regarding our phone conversation, I could find the language that I described to you.

However, I would argue that § 409A(a)(1)(A) provides that amount deferred under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan are included in gross income. Section 409A is not dependent on other provisions generally, rather it provides its own set of rules. Section 409A supersedes the general rules with respect to constructive receipt that exist under § 451 and under case law. See § 409A(c) (providing that earlier inclusion may be required under other provisions, and that amounts that are includable under § 409A are not again included in gross income where includable under another provision at some later date). Therefore, § 409A and the regulations thereunder operate independently from §§ 451 and 83 except where otherwise specifically provided. The following from Notice 2008-113 indicates that an option that is exercised cannot be corrected for § 409A purposes, even if it is corrected in the same taxable year.

D. Correction of Exercise Price of Otherwise Excluded Stock Rights

1. Relief for Amounts to which § IV.D Applies
   If this § IV.D applies to a stock right, the stock right is treated from the date of grant as not providing for a deferral of compensation for purposes of § 409A.

2. Amounts to which § IV.D Applies.
   This § IV.D applies if during a service provider's taxable year a failure occurs that is described in § IV.D.2(a) and the requirements of § IV.D.2(b) are met. (a) A failure is described in this § IV.D.2(a) if, under the terms of a stock right, the stock right would not provide for a deferral of compensation under
   §
   1.409A-1(b)(5)(i)(A) (excluded stock options) or § 1.409A-1(b)(5)(i)(B) (excluded stock appreciation rights), except that the exercise price of the stock right is erroneously established at less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. (b) Before the stock right is exercised and not later than the last day of the service provider's taxable year in which the service recipient granted the service provider the stock right, the exercise price is reset to an amount not less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.

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3. Example
   In the following example, it is assumed that Employee is an individual whose taxable year is the calendar year and Employee and Employer both satisfy the applicable requirements of §§ III and IX of this notice. Example: On January 1, 2009, Employer grants Employee a stock option to purchase 100 shares of stock, and the stock option otherwise would not provide for a deferral of compensation for purposes of § 409A except that due to an error the exercise price is set at an amount below the fair market value of the stock on January 1, 2009. On July 1, 2009, Employee partially exercises the stock option and purchases 40 shares, but retains a stock option to purchase 60 shares. Provided that before the earlier of January 1, 2009 or the exercise of the remaining stock option to purchase 60 shares, the exercise price of the stock option to purchase 60 shares is reset to a price at or above the fair market value of the underlying stock on January 1, 2009, the stock option to purchase 60 shares may qualify for the relief provided in this section. Because the exercise price was not reset before the exercise on July 1, 2009, the portion of the stock option that was exercised to purchase 40 shares is not eligible for the relief provided in this section.

The § 409A regulations provide that options issued at a discount are considered nonqualified deferred compensation for purposes of § 409A.

(5) Stock options, stock appreciation rights,
and other equity-based compensation--(i)
Stock rights--(A) Nonstatutory stock options
not providing for the deferral of compensation.
An option to purchase service recipient stock
does not provide for a deferral of compensation
if--
(1) The exercise price may never be
less than the fair market value of the
underlying stock (disregarding lapse
restrictions as defined in § 1.83-3(i))
on the date the option is granted and
the number of shares subject to the option
is fixed on the original date of
grant of the option;