KMACK
Level 4

I have a questions regarding stock options and Roth IRA contributions. I have a divorced client whose ex-husband worked at Oracle and she received stock options in Oracle as part of the settlement.  When she exercises the options, Oracle treats the difference between the option price and the strike price as ordinary income and reports it to her on Form 1099-MISC in Box 3 (other income). They also withhold 20% in federal income tax (but no Social Security or Medicare tax).

Does the ordinary income in Box 3 of the Form 1099-MISC count as earned income for purposes of making a Roth IRA contribution for 2019?  She only has $2,400 of W-2 income and made a $7,000 Roth contribution.  ProSeries is saying she made an Excess Roth IRA contribution since it is not including the ordinary income from exercising the stock options.

 

Thank you.

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