Reposting due to FUD false misleading posts...and for clarity.. Stock option exercised in this case triggers a FULLY TAXABLE benefit which is equal to the difference between the exercise price and market value of the shares which is pegged as the previous last trading day closing price. You can NOT postpone the timing of tax payable.
After exercising(buying) the shares, one can either immediately sell the shares OR hold onto them but will still be subject to the triggered taxes payable.
Sale of shares re:capital gain tax are also applicable. So for clarity: The options exercised are immediately triggering a taxable benefit payable AND the sale of the shares is also taxable under capital gain plus proceeds needed to exercise the option itself..hence I have very little concern on sale of shares to execute.