It is the great American bait and switch. They say, 'We're going to give you tax breaks' -- and then you find out you don't qualify.

a bait and switch

Alternative minimum tax is a misnomer. It isn't an alternative, because you don't have a choice. And it isn't the minimum, because you end up paying higher taxes than you would have otherwise.

It sounds like a classic bait-and-switch.

They can't change the AMT tax consequences of that $55 that they made in virtual income when they exercised and they will pay taxes on that extra money if they still hold those shares on Dec. 31st of this year.

A lot of consumers use the term 'bait and switch' when they hear this.