Hillsborough Florida Key Employee Stock Option Award Agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for granting stock options to key employees in companies located in Hillsborough County, Florida. This agreement serves as a contract between the company and the key employee, establishing the specifics of the stock option plan. The Key Employee Stock Option Award Agreement typically includes relevant details such as the employee's eligibility criteria, the number of stock options to be granted, the exercise price (the price at which the options can be exercised), vesting schedules (the period over which the options become available for exercise), and the duration of the stock option plan. The Hillsborough Florida Key Employee Stock Option Award Agreement is designed to incentivize key employees by providing them with the opportunity to purchase company stock at a future date, usually at a specified price. This encourages employee retention, as the stock options serve as an additional compensation tool by allowing employees to benefit from the company's success. Different types of Hillsborough Florida Key Employee Stock Option Award Agreements may include: 1. Non-Qualified Stock Option (NO) Agreement: This type of agreement is usually offered to key employees and does not meet specific IRS requirements for preferential tax treatment. The exercise price is usually set at fair market value at the time of grant. Upon exercise, the employee is generally subject to ordinary income tax on the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the stock. 2. Incentive Stock Option (ISO) Agreement: This type of agreement meets specific requirements outlined by the IRS, offering potentially favorable tax treatment to employees. SOS have a maximum exercise price of 100% of the stock's fair market value at the time of grant. To qualify for tax advantages, employees must hold the stock acquired through SOS for a certain period. Upon meeting qualifying conditions, proceeds from the sale of ISO shares may receive favorable long-term capital gains tax treatment. Whether it is a Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement or an Incentive Stock Option Agreement, the main purpose of these agreements is to align the interests of key employees with the company's long-term growth, ultimately driving success for both parties involved.