Stock Option Agreement

Financial

Grants employees or consultants the right to purchase company shares at a predetermined price. Covers vesting schedules, exercise procedures, and tax implications for equity compensation.

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Grants employees or consultants the right to purchase company shares at a predetermined price. Covers vesting schedules, exercise procedures, and tax implications for equity compensation.

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Key Clauses

  • 1

    Grant of Options

    Specifies the number of shares, exercise price, and grant date.

  • 2

    Vesting Schedule

    Defines the timeline and conditions under which options vest.

  • 3

    Exercise Period

    Sets the window during which vested options can be exercised.

  • 4

    Termination Provisions

    Details what happens to options when employment ends.

  • 5

    Tax Obligations

    Outlines the tax responsibilities of the option holder.

When You Need This

  • Offering equity compensation to attract key employees
  • Granting stock options to advisors or consultants
  • Establishing a formal employee stock option plan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Stock Option Agreement?

Grants employees or consultants the right to purchase company shares at a predetermined price. Covers vesting schedules, exercise procedures, and tax implications for equity compensation.

What should a Stock Option Agreement include?

A comprehensive stock option agreement should include: grant of options, vesting schedule, exercise period, termination provisions, tax obligations.

When do I need a Stock Option Agreement?

Offering equity compensation to attract key employees. Granting stock options to advisors or consultants. Establishing a formal employee stock option plan.

Is this template legally binding?

Templates provide a strong starting point, but we recommend having important agreements reviewed by a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction to ensure they meet local legal requirements.

Can I customize this template?

Yes — all bracketed [placeholder] fields can be replaced with your specific information. You can also add, remove, or modify clauses to fit your particular situation.

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