NSO exercise calculator
Cash outlay and same-day-sale net for a Non-Qualified Stock Option exercise.
NSO exercise calculator
NSO spread is taxed as ordinary wages at exercise. Model the cash you need to exercise, and what's left if you sell same-day.
Same-day sale net (cashless): $63,480
How to read the result
NSO spread is ordinary wage income at exercise, taxed at your marginal rate and subject to Medicare tax. Unlike ISOs, there is no AMT issue, but also no qualifying disposition path to long-term gains on the spread.
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.