ISO AMT tripwire calculator
Estimate federal AMT from an ISO exercise-and-hold. The bargain element is a preference item on Form 6251.
ISO AMT tripwire calculator
Model the federal AMT exposure of exercising and holding ISOs in 2025. The bargain element is a preference item on Form 6251.
You would owe roughly $26,967 in AMT from this exercise-and-hold. Paying AMT creates an AMT credit carryforward against future regular tax. A disqualifying sale in the same tax year eliminates AMT but converts the gain to ordinary income.
2025 federal AMT · Single filer · Excludes state AMT (CA, MN, etc.) · Educational estimate
How to read the result
Exercising ISOs and holding them into the next tax year creates AMT preference income equal to the spread between FMV at exercise and strike. That amount flows into alternative minimum taxable income and can generate AMT you would not otherwise owe.
This tool is educational. It uses 2025 single-filer federal brackets, a simplified state-tax model, and does not substitute for a CPA review of your specific facts. For a second set of eyes on a meaningful event, match with a fiduciary advisor who routinely works with equity compensation.
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Free PDF checklist. Quarterly tax-planning cadence for RSU holders, AMT tripwires for ISO exercises, and the 10b5-1 calendar our reviewers send clients.