A Restricted Stock Plan is a common way to share stock with employees in public companies. The shareholder-approved plan simply allows for the issuance of stock to selected employees. Unlike stock options, employees receive the full starting value of the shares. Customarily, restricted stock will carry a vesting schedule so that employees will forfeit some or all of the shares unless they remain with the company for a specified number of years (e.g., 3 or 4). Employees must pay ordinary income taxes on the value of the shares. The tax is due no later than the time the shares vest. Employees may choose to be taxed as of the date of grant by filing an "83b" election within 30 days of receiving the shares.
