What Happens to Your Carta Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Type
Equity Management / Cap Table
Urgency
URGENT — stock options may expire
Key Risk
Unexercised options can expire 90 days post-termination
Documents Needed
Death certificate, Letters Testamentary, grant agreements
Step-by-Step Guide
Contact employer immediately about equity
Stock options (ISOs and NSOs) typically have a post-termination exercise period of 90 days, which may also apply upon death. Contact the employer's HR or legal team immediately to understand the exercise window and prevent expiration of valuable options.
Estimated time: Within days — options may expire
Review all equity grants on Carta
If you can access the deceased's Carta account, review all equity grants: vested vs. unvested shares, exercised vs. unexercised options, exercise prices, and expiration dates. If you cannot access the account, request this information from the employer.
Determine if options should be exercised
Consult with the employer's legal team and a tax advisor to determine whether unexercised stock options should be exercised by the estate. Consider the current fair market value, exercise price, tax implications (ISO vs. NSO treatment), and the company's financial outlook.
Estimated time: Before exercise window closes
Transfer vested shares to the estate
For already-vested shares and exercised options, work with the employer and Carta to transfer ownership to the estate or beneficiaries. The company's transfer agent and legal team will handle the stock transfer process.
Understand RSU vesting policy
If the deceased had RSUs, check the company's RSU agreement for death provisions. Some companies accelerate vesting upon death, while others forfeit unvested RSUs. The grant agreement and company policy will govern this.
Document Now Checklist
- Employer name
- Carta login email
- Number of vested shares
- Unexercised stock options (number and exercise price)
- RSU grant details
- Exercise window expiration date
- Grant agreement copies
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Carta. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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