Grant Details
Specify number of options, class of stock, exercise price, and whether options are incentive stock options (ISOs) or nonqualified stock options (NSOs). Include any conditionality tied to board approval.
A well-drafted contract reduces disputes by documenting grant mechanics, tax responsibilities, and post-termination exercise windows, helping both parties understand economic and compliance outcomes.
Signatories usually include the issuing company (authorized officer) and the employee; third parties may countersign if assignment or broker onboarding is required.
Specify number of options, class of stock, exercise price, and whether options are incentive stock options (ISOs) or nonqualified stock options (NSOs). Include any conditionality tied to board approval.
Describe vesting commencement, cliffs, percentages or tranches, acceleration triggers, and treatment on termination, change in control, or disability.
Explain how to exercise (notice, form, payment methods), acceptable payment types, and whether net exercise or cashless exercise is available.
Define post-termination exercise windows, causes for forfeiture, repurchase rights, and effects of resignation, dismissal for cause, and death.
State employer withholding responsibilities, employee tax reporting, 409A valuation implications, and who bears taxes on exercise or sale.
Include assignment limits, right of first refusal, registration or exemption expectations, and compliance with securities laws.
| Document Template | Create reusable template with locked grant terms and editable fields. |
|---|---|
| Role Assignment | Define signer roles: employee, authorized officer, witness (if required). |
| Authentication | Require email verification or SMS code; add stronger authentication for high-value grants. |
| Vesting Formula Field | Use calculated fields to display vested amounts by date automatically. |
| Delivery Method | Choose email link, bulk send, or secure portal based on volume. |
Ensure the chosen platform can retain an auditable certificate of completion and export records in standard formats for legal and tax audits.
Record grant date immediately to anchor vesting and valuation.
Monitor cliff and tranche dates to determine exercisable shares.
Observe post-termination exercise periods specified in the agreement.
Coordinate reporting for W-2 or 1099 events with payroll and tax advisers.
Update valuations before material grants to avoid adverse tax treatment.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | No | No | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |