This guide is an attempt to correct some of the imbalance in information between companies and employees, and explain in plain English the whole stock option process. ​ Don’t be deceived if you’re offered a large number of shares without any mention of the number of shares currently outstanding. Many companies are reluctant to share this kind of information and claim it’s confidential. ​ The last thing worth mentioning here is that if you’re buying vested shares before you leave the company, than I strongly suggest you look into filing a “83(b) election”, which could significantly decrease the amount of tax you have to pay. A full explanation of 83(b) elections is a guide in itself, but essentially they let you pay all your tax liabilities for both vested and un-vested stock early, at the current 409A valuation (even if the valuation subsequently increases). ​ It’s much easier to find out the answers to these questions when you’re still at the company, so I suggest you get this information before you leave if at all possible.