rp-02-45.pdf

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# Part III -- Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous

26 CFR 601.105: Examination of returns and claims for refund, credit, or abatement;
determination of correct tax liability. (Also, Part 1, 280G.)

Revenue Procedure 2002-45

## SECTION 1. PURPOSE

Revenue Procedure 2002-13, 2002-8 I.R.B. 549, provided guidance on valuing
stock options for nonpublicly traded stock and publicly traded stock for purposes of §§
280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. This revenue procedure modifies
portions of Rev. Proc. 2002-13.

## SECTION 2. BACKGROUND

Rev. Proc. 2002-13 provides a methodology for valuing stock options for purposes of
§§ 280G and 4999. Stock options must be valued for purposes of §§ 280G and 4999
when a payment in the nature of compensation involves a stock option, such as when
the grant of the option is a payment in the nature of compensation contingent on a
change in ownership or control or, with respect to an option previously granted to the
taxpayer, when the option becomes substantially vested within the meaning of §1.83-
3(b) and (j) as a result of the change in ownership or control. Rev. Proc. 2002-13 does
not apply for purposes of valuing a payment in cash, even though the cash is
determined by reference to the cancellation of a stock option.

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Generally, Rev. Proc. 2002-13 provides that a taxpayer may value a stock option
using any valuation method that is consistent with generally accepted accounting
principles (such as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Fin.
Accounting Standards Bd. 1995 (FAS 123)) and that takes into account the factors
provided in § 1.280G-1 of the Proposed Income Tax Regulations, Q&A-13, published in
the Federal Register on February 20, 2002 (67 Fed. Reg. 7630) (the 2002 proposed
regulations) and on May 5, 1989 (54 Fed. Reg. 19,390) (the 1989 proposed
regulations). In addition, section 4 of Rev. Proc. 2002-13 provides a valuation method
based on the Black-Scholes model.

Rev. Proc. 2002-13 provides that, if the stock option is one that could otherwise be
valued under Rev. Proc. 98-34, 1998-1 C.B. 983, because the stock option is a
"Compensatory Stock Option," as defined in section 3 of Rev. Proc. 98-34 (i.e., a
nonpublicly traded option for stock that is publicly traded on an established securities
market), then, for purposes of 280G and 4999 and Rev. Proc. 2002-13, the valuation
is not considered consistent with generally accepted accounting principles unless the
valuation is made in accordance with Rev. Proc. 98-34 or the valuation safe harbor
method described in section 4 of Rev. Proc. 2002-13.

Rev. Proc. 98-34 provides a methodology for valuation of certain compensatory
stock options for purposes of gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer taxes. The
methodology described in Rev. Proc. 98-34 is an option pricing model that takes into
account factors similar to those established in FAS 123. This methodology applies only
to the valuation of a nonpublicly traded compensatory stock option for stock that, on the
valuation date, is publicly traded on an established securities market.

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Since the issuance of Rev. Proc. 2002-13, commentators have suggested that
the two valuation methods available for Compensatory Stock Options do not adequately
take into account all of the facts and circumstances relevant to the valuation of
Compensatory Stock Options in the context of a change in ownership or control.
Commentators have also requested an extension of the effective date provided in Rev.
Proc. 2002-13, or a modification of Rev. Proc. 2002-13 to establish a safe harbor for
Compensatory Stock Options, to provide opportunity for consideration of comments.
SECTION 3. MODIFICATIONS TO REV. PROC. 2002-13

01\. Under Rev. Proc. 2002-13, a stock option for stock that is not publicly traded
(i.e., an option that is not a Compensatory Stock Option as defined in Rev. Proc. 98-34)
is considered properly valued for purposes of §§ 280G and 4999 if such value is
determined using any valuation method that is consistent with generally accepted
accounting principles (such as FAS 123) and takes into account the factors provided in
§ 1.280G-1, Q/A-13 of both the 1989 and 2002 proposed regulations. For purposes of
the preceding sentence, the safe harbor valuation method provided in section 4 of Rev.
Proc. 2002-13 is considered consistent with generally accepted accounting principles
and takes into account the factors provided in § 1.280G-1, Q/A-13 of both the 1989 and
2002 proposed regulations. Pending further guidance, a stock option for stock that is
publicly traded (i.e., an option that is a Compensatory Stock Option as defined in Rev.
Proc. 98-34) will be considered properly valued if the valuation method satisfies the
standard set forth in Rev. Proc. 2002-13 for stock options that are not Compensatory
Stock Options. Accordingly, the value of a Compensatory Stock Option will be
considered properly determined if such value is determined in accordance with Rev.

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Proc. 98-34, with the safe harbor valuation method in section 4 of Rev. Proc. 2002-13,
or with a valuation method that is consistent with generally accepted accounting
principles (such as FAS 123) and that takes into account the factors provided in §
1.280G-1, Q/A-13 of both the 1989 and 2002 proposed regulations. For purposes of
§§ 280G and 4999, however, regardless of whether the option is a Compensatory Stock
Option, a stock option will not be considered properly valued if the option is valued
solely by reference to the spread between the exercise price of the option and the value
of the stock at the time of the change in ownership or control or without regard to the
other factors provided in § 1.280G-1, Q/A-13 of both the 1989 and 2002 proposed
regulations.

02\. The Appendix to this revenue procedure provides a valuation table for use under
section 4 of Rev. Proc. 2002-13 that supersedes the table provided in the appendix to
Rev. Proc. 2002-13. The expanded table includes an additional column for use when
the remaining term of the option is 3 months. For purposes of section 4.04 of Rev.
Proc. 2002-13, if the remaining term of the option is less than 12 months, the taxpayer
may round down to the 3-month interval.

03\. For purposes of determining the term factor under section 4.04 of Rev. Proc.
2002-13, the number of full months may be rounded down to the next lowest 12-month
interval.

04\. Section 4.02 of Rev. Proc. 2002-13 provides that, for purposes of valuing a
stock option using the safe harbor valuation table in section 4 of Rev. Proc. 2002-13,
the volatility factor used for stock that is publicly traded on an established securities
market (or otherwise) is based on the volatility of the underlying stock used for

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purposes of FAS 123 and disclosed in the most recent financial statement of the
corporation. In order to use the safe harbor in section 4 of Rev. Proc. 2002-13, the
volatility factor in section 4.02 must be based on the volatility for the most recent year
used for purposes of complying with FAS 123 and disclosed in the most recent financial
statements of the corporation.

## SECTION 4. EFFECT ON OTHER DOCUMENTS

Rev. Proc. 2002-13, 2002-8 I.R.B. 549, is modified.

## SECTION 5. REQUEST FOR COMMENTS

Comments are requested regarding the methods described in this revenue
procedure and Rev. Proc. 2002-13. In particular, comments are requested on how to
determine the appropriate term assumptions for purposes of valuing stock options in
connection with a change in ownership or control and on other approaches to
addressing the particular facts and circumstances associated with a change in
ownership or control (for example, whether it is appropriate to permit recalculation of
the value of an option under certain circumstances, such as termination of employment
within a short period after a change in ownership or control). All comments will be
available for public inspection and copying. Comments must be submitted by August
12, 2002. Comments should be sent to CC:ITA:RU (Rev. Proc. 2002-45), room 5226,
Internal Revenue Service, POB 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044.
Comments may also be hand delivered between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to:
CC:ITA:RU (Rev. Proc. 2002-45), Courier's Desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC. In the alternative, e-mail your comments to:
Notice.Comments@irscounsel.treas.gov.

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# SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE

## This revenue procedure is effective June 13, 2002. Taxpayers may apply the rules in this revenue procedure for the valuation of a stock option on or after April 26, 2002. SECTION 7. DRAFTING INFORMATION

The principal author of this revenue procedure is Erinn Madden of the Office of
the Division Counsel/Associate Chief Counsel (Tax Exempt and Government Entities).
However, other personnel from the IRS and Treasury Department participated in its
development. For further information regarding this revenue procedure, contact Ms.
Madden at (202) 622-6030 (not a toll-free call).

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# Appendix

Term (months)

3

12

24

36

48

60

72

84

96

108

120

Volatility Spread Factor*

Low

200%

66.8%

67.3%

67.9%

68.4%

69.0%

69.5%

69.9%

70.3%

70.7%

71.0%

71.2%

180%

64.5%

65.0%

65.7%

66.4%

67.1%

67.7%

68.3%

68.8%

69.3%

69.6%

69.9%

160%

61.8%

62.4%

63.3%

64.1%

65.0%

65.8%

66.5%

67.1%

67.7%

68.1%

68.5%

140%

58.6%

59.4%

60.4%

61.5%

62.5%

63.5%

64.4%

65.1%

65.8%

66.4%

66.9%

120%

54.9%

55.8%

57.1%

58.4%

59.7%

60.9%

62.0%

62.9%

63.7%

64.5%

65.1%

100%

50.4%

51.5%

53.2%

54.8%

56.4%

57.9%

59.1%

60.3%

61.3%

62.2%

63.0%

80%

44.9%

46.3%

48.5%

50.6%

52.6%

54.3%

55.9%

57.3%

58.5%

59.6%

60.5%

60%

38.0%

40.0%

42.9%

45.6%

48.0%

50.1%

52.0%

53.7%

55.2%

56.5%

57.6%

40%

29.3%

32.3%

36.3%

39.7%

42.6%

45.2%

47.4%

49.4%

51.2%

52.7%

54.1%

20%

18.1%

23.3%

28.5%

32.7%

36.2%

39.3%

41.9%

44.3%

46.4%

48.2%

49.9%

0%

6.4%

13.6%

19.9%

24.7%

28.8%

32.3%

35.4%

38.1%

40.5%

42.7%

44.7%

-20%

0.6%

5.4%

11.2%

16.1%

20.4%

24.2%

27.6%

30.6%

33.4%

35.9%

38.1%

-40%

0%

0.9%

4.1%

7.9%

11.6%

15.2%

18.5%

21.7%

24.6%

27.3%

29.9%

-60%

0%

0.0%

0.6%

2.0%

4.0%

6.4%

9.0%

11.6%

14.3%

16.8%

19.3%

Medium

200%

66.8%

67.4%

68.6%

69.9%

71.1%

72.2%

73.1%

73.9%

74.5%

75.0%

75.4%

180%

64.5%

65.2%

66.7%

68.2%

69.6%

70.9%

71.9%

72.8%

73.5%

74.1%

74.6%

160%

61.8%

62.7%

64.5%

66.3%

68.0%

69.4%

70.6%

71.6%

72.5%

73.2%

73.7%

140%

58.6%

59.8%

62.0%

64.2%

66.1%

67.7%

69.1%

70.3%

71.2%

72.0%

72.7%

120%

54.9%

56.4%

59.2%

61.7%

63.9%

65.8%

67.4%

68.8%

69.9%

70.8%

71.6%

100%

50.4%

52.5%

55.9%

58.9%

61.5%

63.7%

65.5%

67.0%

68.3%

69.4%

70.3%

80%

44.9%

47.9%

52.2%

55.7%

58.7%

61.2%

63.2%

65.0%

66.5%

67.7%

68.8%

60%

38.2%

42.6%

47.8%

52.0%

55.4%

58.3%

60.6%

62.7%

64.3%

65.8%

67.0%

40%

30.0%

36.3%

42.7%

47.6%

51.6%

54.8%

57.6%

59.9%

61.8%

63.5%

64.9%

20%

20.3%

29.1%

36.8%

42.5%

47.0%

50.8%

53.9%

56.5%

58.8%

60.7%

62.3%

0%

10.4%

21.2%

30.0%

36.4%

41.6%

45.8%

49.4%

52.4%

55.0%

57.2%

59.1%

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-20%

3.0%

13.0%

22.2%

29.2%

34.9%

39.7%

43.7%

47.2%

50.2%

52.8%

55.0%

-40%

0.3%

5.7%

13.8%

20.8%

26.8%

32.0%

36.4%

40.4%

43.8%

46.8%

49.5%

-60%

0%

1.2%

5.9%

11.4%

16.9%

22.1%

26.7%

31.0%

34.8%

38.3%

41.4%

High

200%

66.8%

68.1%

70.7%

73.1%

75.0%

76.6%

77.8%

78.8%

79.5%

80.0%

80.4%

180%

64.5%

66.1%

69.1%

71.7%

73.9%

75.6%

77.0%

78.1%

78.9%

79.5%

79.9%

160%

61.8%

63.8%

67.3%

70.3%

72.7%

74.6%

76.1%

77.3%

78.2%

78.9%

79.4%

140%

58.6%

61.3%

65.3%

68.6%

71.3%

73.4%

75.1%

76.4%

77.4%

78.2%

78.8%

120%

54.9%

58.3%

63.0%

66.8%

69.7%

72.1%

73.9%

75.4%

76.6%

77.4%

78.1%

100%

50.6%

55.0%

60.4%

64.6%

67.9%

70.6%

72.6%

74.3%

75.6%

76.6%

77.3%

80%

45.3%

51.1%

57.4%

62.2%

65.9%

68.8%

71.1%

73.0%

74.4%

75.6%

76.5%

60%

39.1%

46.6%

54.0%

59.4%

63.5%

66.8%

69.4%

71.4%

73.1%

74.4%

75.4%

40%

31.7%

41.4%

50.0%

56.1%

60.7%

64.4%

67.3%

69.6%

71.5%

73.0%

74.2%

20%

23.2%

35.4%

45.3%

52.1%

57.4%

61.5%

64.8%

67.4%

69.6%

71.3%

72.7%

0%

14.3%

28.5%

39.6%

47.4%

53.3%

57.9%

61.6%

64.7%

67.1%

69.1%

70.8%

-20%

6.4%

20.8%

32.9%

41.5%

48.1%

53.4%

57.6%

61.1%

64.0%

66.4%

68.3%

-40%

1.5%

12.7%

24.8%

34.0%

41.4%

47.3%

52.2%

56.3%

59.7%

62.5%

64.8%

-60%

0.1%

5.2%

15.2%

24.3%

32.1%

38.8%

44.4%

49.1%

53.2%

56.6%

59.5%

*Spot (market) Price/Exercise Price - 1 or (S/X-1)