Glossary A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 Definitions by InvestorWords.com   What is...? Holding Period Start Date This is the date used to measure when the holding period for short-term or long-term capital gains taxes begins. It is determined by your income tax payment date: If you file a Section 83(b) election and pay your income tax on the grant date, the Holding Period Start Date is the same as the Grant Date. If you pay your income tax when your shares vest, the Start Date is the Vest Date. If you defer the release of your shares past the vest date, the Start Date is the deferred release date. The deferral date is not provided by your employer, so to model your scenario, the Holding Period Start Date you see defaults to the date you want to sell your shares (the date you entered in Step 3). Copyright ©2009 by InvestorGuide.com. All Rights Reserved.