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    <title>The NASPP Blog</title>
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    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2008-08-20:/blog//1</id>
    <updated>2010-03-11T07:49:17Z</updated>
    <subtitle>News and developments in the world of stock compensation, brought to you by the NASPP.  </subtitle>
    <generator uri="http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/">Movable Type Pro 4.25</generator>

<entry>
    <title>2010 Domestic Stock Plan Design Survey</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/03/2010-domestic-stock-plan-design-survey.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8184</id>

    <published>2010-03-11T05:05:25Z</published>
    <updated>2010-03-11T07:49:17Z</updated>

    <summary>We&apos;ve just launched the 2010 Domestic Stock Plan Design Survey. This week I give you the top five reasons you should participate in the survey and discuss the trends I&apos;m most excited about getting new data on.</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Barbara Baksa, Executive Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#bbaksa</uri>
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    We&apos;ve just launched the 2010 Domestic Stock Plan Design Survey. This week I give you the top five reasons you should participate in the survey and discuss the trends I&apos;m most excited about getting new data on.
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/03/2010-domestic-stock-plan-design-survey.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Get in Style</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/03/you-probably-dont-need-me.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8132</id>

    <published>2010-03-09T20:47:45Z</published>
    <updated>2010-03-09T08:05:38Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[You probably don't need me to tell you that style inconsistencies in a document make it look unprofessional.&nbsp;But as we move towards the end of proxy season, I'm reminded that style inconsistencies in proxy statements are abundant and frequently occur....]]></summary>
    <author>
        <name>Robyn Shutak, Education Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#rshutak</uri>
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    <![CDATA[You probably don't need me to tell you that style inconsistencies in a document make it look unprofessional.&nbsp;But as we move towards the end of proxy season, I'm reminded that style inconsistencies in proxy statements are abundant and frequently occur....]]>
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/03/you-probably-dont-need-me.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>NASPP Conference Announced</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/03/naspp-conference-announced.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8161</id>

    <published>2010-03-04T05:05:40Z</published>
    <updated>2010-03-04T07:59:19Z</updated>

    <summary>This week I have a grab bag of announcements for you, including the date and location of this year&apos;s NASPP Conference, why the UK tax year ends on April 6, changes in store for our friends at RiskMetrics, and the CEP exam.</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Barbara Baksa, Executive Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#bbaksa</uri>
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    This week I have a grab bag of announcements for you, including the date and location of this year&apos;s NASPP Conference, why the UK tax year ends on April 6, changes in store for our friends at RiskMetrics, and the CEP exam.
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/03/naspp-conference-announced.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>SEC Addresses IFRS Adoption Concerns</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/03/sec-addresses-ifrs-adoption-concerns.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8146</id>

    <published>2010-03-02T08:04:35Z</published>
    <updated>2010-03-02T08:59:28Z</updated>

    <summary>The SEC has issued a Statement confirming a commitment to convergence of U.S. GAAP with IFRS as well as a continued effort on adopting a single high-quality global accounting standard.  The SEC&apos;s 2008 Roadmap generated a significant amount of comments; this week I take a look at how the SEC&apos;s Statement and new Work Plan address issues raised through that feedback.</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Rachel Murillo, Editorial Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#rmurillo</uri>
    </author>
    
    <category term="convergence" label="Convergence" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="fasb" label="FASB" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="gaap" label="GAAP" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="ifrs" label="IFRS" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="roadmap" label="Roadmap" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="sec" label="SEC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="workplan" label="Work Plan" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    The SEC has issued a Statement confirming a commitment to convergence of U.S. GAAP with IFRS as well as a continued effort on adopting a single high-quality global accounting standard.  The SEC&apos;s 2008 Roadmap generated a significant amount of comments; this week I take a look at how the SEC&apos;s Statement and new Work Plan address issues raised through that feedback.
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/03/sec-addresses-ifrs-adoption-concerns.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Part-Time Policy</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/part-time-policy.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8128</id>

    <published>2010-02-25T10:55:42Z</published>
    <updated>2010-02-25T11:24:22Z</updated>

    <summary>When a full-time employee becomes a part-time employee, what should happen to unvested equity awards?  This week I explore the issues that impact a company&apos;s policy for this change in status.</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Rachel Murillo, Editorial Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#rmurillo</uri>
    </author>
    
    <category term="equityaward" label="equity award" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="parttime" label="part-time" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="vesting" label="vesting" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    When a full-time employee becomes a part-time employee, what should happen to unvested equity awards?  This week I explore the issues that impact a company&apos;s policy for this change in status.
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/part-time-policy.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>One for You; Nineteen for Me - Part 2</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/one-for-you-nineteen-for-me---part-2.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8119</id>

    <published>2010-02-23T05:41:05Z</published>
    <updated>2010-02-23T08:58:27Z</updated>

    <summary>This week I focus again on tax increases in the UK, but for the 2011-2012 tax year, which begins on April 6, 2011.  At that time, National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are scheduled to increase to 13.8% (up from 12.8%) for employers and to 12% (up from 11%) for employees. 

Also, for those of you looking for a solution for e-filing Section 6039 returns, I provide info on market research Stock &amp; Options Solutions is currently conducting around needs in this area.</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Barbara Baksa, Executive Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#bbaksa</uri>
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    This week I focus again on tax increases in the UK, but for the 2011-2012 tax year, which begins on April 6, 2011.  At that time, National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are scheduled to increase to 13.8% (up from 12.8%) for employers and to 12% (up from 11%) for employees. 

Also, for those of you looking for a solution for e-filing Section 6039 returns, I provide info on market research Stock &amp; Options Solutions is currently conducting around needs in this area.
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/one-for-you-nineteen-for-me---part-2.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Why Net Exercise?</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/fas-123r-now-asc-718.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8108</id>

    <published>2010-02-18T11:50:59Z</published>
    <updated>2010-02-18T12:36:26Z</updated>

    <summary>Is net exercise right for your company?  If you haven&apos;t considered net exercise, yet, you owe it to yourself and your company to find out how your company could benefit from a net exercise program (and what issues to consider before doing so).  If your plan already allows for net exercise, make sure you are taking full advantage of the benefits available!</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Rachel Murillo, Editorial Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#rmurillo</uri>
    </author>
    
    <category term="netexercise" label="net exercise" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    Is net exercise right for your company?  If you haven&apos;t considered net exercise, yet, you owe it to yourself and your company to find out how your company could benefit from a net exercise program (and what issues to consider before doing so).  If your plan already allows for net exercise, make sure you are taking full advantage of the benefits available!
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/fas-123r-now-asc-718.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>One for You; Nineteen for Me</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/one-for-you-nineteen-for-me.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8086</id>

    <published>2010-02-16T05:53:12Z</published>
    <updated>2010-02-16T08:57:15Z</updated>

    <summary>Do you know how much tax your employees in the UK are paying on their stock compensation? It&apos;s about to get a lot higher and further rate increases are scheduled for next year as well. If you&apos;ve been turning a deaf ear to the recent UK budget announcements, now is the time to start listening--before it&apos;s too late to do anything for your UK employees.</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Barbara Baksa, Executive Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#bbaksa</uri>
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    Do you know how much tax your employees in the UK are paying on their stock compensation? It&apos;s about to get a lot higher and further rate increases are scheduled for next year as well. If you&apos;ve been turning a deaf ear to the recent UK budget announcements, now is the time to start listening--before it&apos;s too late to do anything for your UK employees.
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/one-for-you-nineteen-for-me.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>10b5-1 Plans:  Modifications and Terminations</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/10b5-1-plans-modifications-and-terminations.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8085</id>

    <published>2010-02-11T12:47:48Z</published>
    <updated>2010-02-11T12:59:30Z</updated>

    <summary> Last week I explored the connection between the affirmative defense provided under Rule 10b5-1(c) and appropriate timing of Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. The same interpretive guidance that got me thinking about creating 10b5-1 trading plans also clarified some issues...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Rachel Murillo, Editorial Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#rmurillo</uri>
    </author>
    
    <category term="insider" label="insider" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="insidertrading" label="insider trading" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="modification" label="modification" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="rule10b51" label="Rule 10b5-1" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="tradingplan" label="trading plan" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
     Last week I explored the connection between the affirmative defense provided under Rule 10b5-1(c) and appropriate timing of Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. The same interpretive guidance that got me thinking about creating 10b5-1 trading plans also clarified some issues...
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/10b5-1-plans-modifications-and-terminations.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>More on ESPP Operational Errors</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/more-on-espp-operational-errors.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8043</id>

    <published>2010-02-09T05:15:15Z</published>
    <updated>2010-02-09T07:34:10Z</updated>

    <summary>Last week, I blogged about operational errors in Section 423 ESPPs. This week, I follow up that discussion with more on the potential impact of errors and an explanation of how separate offerings can be used to minimize the impact of errors.</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Barbara Baksa, Executive Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#bbaksa</uri>
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    Last week, I blogged about operational errors in Section 423 ESPPs. This week, I follow up that discussion with more on the potential impact of errors and an explanation of how separate offerings can be used to minimize the impact of errors.
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/more-on-espp-operational-errors.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Rule 10b5-1c:  Exploring Affirmative Defense</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/rule-10b5-1c-exploring-affirmative-defense.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8058</id>

    <published>2010-02-04T10:03:42Z</published>
    <updated>2010-02-04T22:06:34Z</updated>

    <summary>Heading into the new year, many companies will be starting the annual grant process. If your insiders are due for a new grant this year, they may be looking to modify their Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan or enter into one...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Rachel Murillo, Editorial Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#rmurillo</uri>
    </author>
    
    <category term="10b51" label="10b5-1" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="affirmativedefense" label="affirmative defense" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="insider" label="insider" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="insidertrading" label="insider trading" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="sec" label="SEC" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    Heading into the new year, many companies will be starting the annual grant process. If your insiders are due for a new grant this year, they may be looking to modify their Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plan or enter into one...
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/rule-10b5-1c-exploring-affirmative-defense.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Operational Errors in Section 423 Plans</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/operational-errors-in-section-423-plans.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8042</id>

    <published>2010-02-02T05:22:11Z</published>
    <updated>2010-02-02T07:40:58Z</updated>

    <summary>Another area of the final regulations under Section 423 that I think is significant is the guidance on the impact of various operational errors.  Section 423 qualification is fragile--one inadventent error can sometimes disqualify an entire offering.</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Barbara Baksa, Executive Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#bbaksa</uri>
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    Another area of the final regulations under Section 423 that I think is significant is the guidance on the impact of various operational errors.  Section 423 qualification is fragile--one inadventent error can sometimes disqualify an entire offering.
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/02/operational-errors-in-section-423-plans.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Section 16 Year-End Action Items</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/01/section-16-year-end-action-items.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8026</id>

    <published>2010-01-28T10:33:06Z</published>
    <updated>2010-01-28T10:55:23Z</updated>

    <summary>February isn&apos;t just time to be thinking about your sweetheart, it&apos;s also the deadline for Form 5 filings for many companies. If your company year-end is December 31st, then the Form 5 filing deadline for 2010 is Tuesday, February 16...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Rachel Murillo, Editorial Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#rmurillo</uri>
    </author>
    
    <category term="form4" label="Form 4" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="form5" label="Form 5" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="section16" label="Section 16" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    February isn&apos;t just time to be thinking about your sweetheart, it&apos;s also the deadline for Form 5 filings for many companies. If your company year-end is December 31st, then the Form 5 filing deadline for 2010 is Tuesday, February 16...
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/01/section-16-year-end-action-items.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>IRS Audits: Are You Ready to Rumble?</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/01/irs-audits-are-you-ready.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8021</id>

    <published>2010-01-26T05:21:54Z</published>
    <updated>2010-01-26T07:47:52Z</updated>

    <summary>Based on a recent IRS announcement and some alerts we&apos;ve received from law firms, the IRS is stepping up audit activity on executive compensation and employee benefit plans.</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Barbara Baksa, Executive Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#bbaksa</uri>
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    Based on a recent IRS announcement and some alerts we&apos;ve received from law firms, the IRS is stepping up audit activity on executive compensation and employee benefit plans.
    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/01/irs-audits-are-you-ready.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>M&amp;A Project Management</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/01/2010-ma-activity.html" />
    <id>tag:www.naspp.com,2010:/blog//1.8002</id>

    <published>2010-01-21T09:30:19Z</published>
    <updated>2010-01-21T09:46:51Z</updated>

    <summary>We saw a dramatic decrease in M&amp;A activity in 2009, which is no surprise given the condition of our economy.  The second half of the year did bring with it increased M&amp;A activity, and news sources are all abuzz with anticipation for 2010.

Even though a merger or acquisition may be exciting for shareholders and a great way for a company to grow, it can be a serious undertaking for a stock plan manager.  If an acquisition or merger is potentially in your future, start brainstorming now on what that project management will look like for you and your team.
</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Rachel Murillo, Editorial Director, NASPP</name>
        <uri>http://www.naspp.com/blog/bios.html#rmurillo</uri>
    </author>
    
    <category term="acquisition" label="acquisition" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="conversion" label="conversion" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="ma" label="M&amp;A" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="merger" label="merger" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.naspp.com/blog/">
    We saw a dramatic decrease in M&amp;A activity in 2009, which is no surprise given the condition of our economy.  The second half of the year did bring with it increased M&amp;A activity, and news sources are all abuzz with anticipation for 2010.

Even though a merger or acquisition may be exciting for shareholders and a great way for a company to grow, it can be a serious undertaking for a stock plan manager.  If an acquisition or merger is potentially in your future, start brainstorming now on what that project management will look like for you and your team.

    &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.naspp.com/blog/2010/01/2010-ma-activity.html"&gt;Click here to read the full entry.&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</content>
</entry>

</feed>

