### Question
How is the term equity option defined?


### Answer
The term **equity option** is defined in *26 U.S.C. § 1256* as the following:

> any option—


(A) to buy or sell stock, or


(B) the value of which is determined directly or indirectly by reference to any stock or any narrow-based security index (as defined in section 3(a)(55) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this paragraph)

#### Citation:
  - *26 U.S.C. § 1256*
  - Heading: **Subtitle A-Income Taxes > CHAPTER 1-NORMAL TAXES AND SURTAXES > Subchapter P-Capital Gains and Losses > PART IV-SPECIAL RULES FOR DETERMINING CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES**

