Take a look at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_gains_tax_in_the_United_States. For 2010 US long term capital gaints is taxed at 0% if your ordinary income tax rate is 15% or less. You may be able to cash in and still not pay tax. Bottom line, talk to a tax specialist because everyone's situation is different and don't put yourself in harms way for a tax audit and jail.