Answer:
1. Total compensation expenses = 20,000 * $15 = $300,000
Vesting period (From 2017-2021) = 4 years
Annual compensation expenses = Total compensation expenses / 4
Annual compensation expenses = $300,000 / 4 years
Annual compensation expenses = $75,000
a. Compensation expenses 2017 = $75,000/2
Compensation expenses 2017 = $37,500
b. Compensation expenses 2018 = $75,000
2. The spread between the grant price and exercise price is allowed as base of tax benefit.
Tax benefit = [20,000 * (53-32)] * 35%
Tax benefit = [20,000 * 21] * 35%
Tax benefit = $420,000 * 35%
Tax benefit = $147,000