On January 1, 20X3, Sterling granted stock options to senior executives that enable them to purchase 80,000 shares. The exercise price was $85 per share, which was the same as the market price on the day the options were granted. The options vest three years after their grant date; employees who leave prior to that date forfeit the options. All of the executives who hold the options still remain with the company. Using an options pricing model, the fair value of the options was determined to be $180,000. All of the options expire at the end of 20X6; none were exercised during 20X5. The estimated forfeiture rate at the end of the year is 0%. The option offered is referred to as ESOP (employee stock option plan) — plan 20X3.

Provide the journal entries for each of the above issues for the year ended 20X6.