On May 22, 2020, the IRS released a Generic Legal Advice Memorandum, GLAM 2020-004, which addresses the timing of the taxation and withholding of payroll taxes on certain stock-settled awards issued to employees. Specifically, the GLAM focuses on the treatment of stock options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs), and stock-settled restricted stock units (RSUs).
Employers should be aware that the GLAM does not appear to alter the Service’s existing position with respect to such awards — the fair market value of the stock underlying the award is includible in gross income when the stock is deemed transferred to the employee. However, the GLAM does appear to offer some additional insight into the timing of income inclusion with respect to RSUs. Perhaps most importantly, the GLAM reiterates the IRS’s 2003 administrative position regarding the application of late deposit penalties to payroll tax deposits due on the exercise of nonqualified stock options. A question had arisen regarding whether SEC guidance shortening the standard settlement cycle for securities transactions to two business days had the effect of shortening the period for depositing payroll taxes. Deposits owed with respect to option exercises will continue to be deemed timely if deposited within one day of settlement, so long as settlement occurs within three days of the exercise date.Continue Reading Much Ado About Nothing Much New: IRS Issues GLAM Addressing Payroll Taxation of Equity Compensation