Tax Playbook · Keep more of each paycheck
ESPP: hold for the qualifying sale
An ESPP lets you buy your company's stock at a discount, often 15%. If you hold the shares at least 2 years from the offering date and 1 year from the purchase date, more of your profit is taxed as long-term capital gains. On 1,000 shares bought at $17 and sold at $30, that is a $13,000 gain with much of it at the lower rate. Sell earlier and more of the discount is taxed as regular pay.
Good for: Employees whose company offers a stock purchase plan with a discount.
Learn the basics
Recent articles & guides
- ESPP Dispositions: What to Review Before You Sell Shares (Capivise)
- ESPP Qualifying Disposition: Rules and Holding Requirements (SmartAsset)
- Qualifying Dispositions of ESPP Stock (Computershare)
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Educational summary, not tax advice. Limits and rules change — confirm current law with your tax adviser.