RSU Tax Calculator for the Withholding Gap
Estimate the tax on RSUs when shares are delivered, compare it with federal withholding, and check the gap.
What to decide after you run the numbers
Use the result to check payroll records and plan any additional tax payment.
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Check the taxable date
Use the share-delivery or settlement date and value, which may differ from the vesting date for deferred awards.
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Read the pay statement
Compare actual federal withholding with the estimate. Net share withholding and a broker’s sell-to-cover transaction are different mechanisms.
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Keep the basis records
Save the compensation value and share count. The same amount generally enters your cost basis so it is not taxed again as capital gain.
Withholding is a payment toward tax
RSUs have no special federal income-tax rate. Their taxable compensation adds to ordinary income. This tool stacks the award on your salary bracket by bracket, so part of it can land in a higher bracket than your salary; a full projection also counts your other income and deductions.
Check the cash needed for any shortfall alongside concentration in employer stock. More withholding, estimated payments and share sales can have different timing and restrictions.