RSU Taxation by State
State-specific guides for how RSUs are taxed in California, New York, Texas, and other states. Understand state tax implications for equity compensation.
- •RSUs are taxed at your marginal income tax rate (not capital gains rate). Your employer typically withholds 22% federal (or 37% if over $1M) plus state tax and FICA.
- •State tax on RSUs depends on where you live and work when they vest. States without income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington) don't tax RSUs at the state level.
- •You typically receive 60-75% of RSU value after taxes, depending on your tax bracket and state.
- •Withholding on RSUs may not match your final tax liability—you'll reconcile this when you file your return.
How state tax affects RSU vesting
State income tax can significantly impact your take-home pay from RSU vesting. While federal tax on RSUs is consistent across all states, state tax rates vary dramatically—from 0% in states with no income tax to over 13% in high-tax states like California.
Residency Matters
Understanding your state's tax treatment of RSUs is crucial for accurate financial planning, especially if you're considering a move or have multiple vesting events throughout the year.
States with no income tax
Nine states don't have a state income tax, which means RSUs vesting in these states are only subject to federal tax and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). This can save thousands of dollars compared to high-tax states.
Tax Savings
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- New Hampshire (only taxes interest and dividends)
- South Dakota
- Tennessee (only taxes interest and dividends)
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
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High-tax states: California and New York
California and New York have the highest state income tax rates in the country, which can significantly reduce your RSU take-home pay.
- California: Top rate of 13.3% on income over $1 million. Combined with federal tax, high earners can face effective tax rates exceeding 50% on RSU vesting.
- New York: Top rate of 8.82% on income over $1.08 million. New York City residents pay an additional city income tax of up to 3.876%, bringing the total to over 12%.
Other high-tax states
Several other states have high income tax rates that can impact RSU vesting:
- New Jersey: Top rate of 10.75% on income over $1 million
- Oregon: Top rate of 9.9% on income over $125,000
- Minnesota: Top rate of 9.85% on income over $183,340
- Vermont: Top rate of 8.75% on income over $200,000
- Hawaii: Top rate of 11% on income over $200,000
Multi-state considerations
If you work remotely or move states during the year, you may owe tax to multiple states on your RSUs. This is one of the most complex aspects of RSU taxation.
Professional Advice Recommended
Most states offer credits for taxes paid to other states to avoid double taxation, but the rules vary significantly. Some states tax based on where you perform work, others based on residency, and some use a combination.
State-specific RSU strategies
Understanding your state's tax treatment can help you make informed decisions about timing vesting events, planning moves, and managing your overall tax liability.
- Timing moves: If you're planning to move from a high-tax state to a no-tax state, consider the timing of your RSU vesting events to maximize tax savings.
- Estimated payments: High-tax states may require estimated tax payments if your withholding doesn't cover your tax liability.
- State tax credits: If you work in one state but live in another, you may be eligible for tax credits to avoid double taxation.
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