Ohio NO Agreement, also known as the Ohio Non-Qualified Option (NO) Agreement, is a legal contract that outlines the terms and conditions for granting non-qualified stock options to employees in the state of Ohio. NOS are a type of stock option granted to employees that do not meet the requirements for incentive stock options (SOS) under the Internal Revenue Code. The Ohio NO Agreement is designed to provide employees the opportunity to purchase company stock at a predetermined price within a specific period. These options can be valuable as they allow employees to benefit from the potential future increase in the company's stock price. However, NOS are generally subject to the ordinary income tax rates upon exercise, unlike SOS which often qualify for favorable tax treatment. There may be different types or variations of Ohio NO Agreements, including: 1. Single-Option NO Agreement: This type of agreement covers the grant of a single non-qualified stock option to an employee, specifying the option price, expiration date, and vesting schedule. 2. Multiple-Option NO Agreement: In some cases, employers may grant multiple non-qualified stock options to an employee over a specified period. This agreement will outline the terms for each separate option grant, including option price, vesting schedule, and potential exercise periods. 3. Performance-Based NO Agreement: Some employers may use performance-based NOS, which are granted based on specific performance goals or milestones achieved by the employee or the company. Under this agreement, the employee must meet certain performance criteria to exercise the options. 4. Change of Control NO Agreement: This type of agreement may come into effect in the event of a change of control, such as a merger or acquisition. It typically outlines the impact of such events on the employee's NOS, including accelerated vesting or change in terms. 5. Non-Transferable NO Agreement: Employers might restrict the transferability of NOS through a non-transferable agreement, ensuring that the options can only be exercised by the employee and are not subject to sale or transfer to third parties. It is crucial for both the employer and employees to consult legal professionals specializing in taxation and stock options to ensure compliance with Ohio state laws and federal regulations when drafting and executing Ohio NO Agreements.