RSU vesting and take-home pay
How RSU vesting events affect your paycheck and cash flow, including withholding calculations.
- •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 vesting affects your paycheck
When RSUs vest, the value is added to your taxable income for that pay period. This can significantly impact your take-home pay, depending on how your employer handles withholding.
Cash Flow Planning
If your employer uses sell-to-cover, your regular paycheck isn't affected—the taxes are paid by selling some of your shares. If your employer withholds from your paycheck, you'll see a much smaller take-home amount for that period.
Calculating take-home after vesting
To estimate your take-home after an RSU vesting event:
Remember that withholding rates may not match your actual tax rate, so you may owe additional tax or receive a refund when you file your return.
- Determine the fair market value of your vested shares
- Calculate federal tax (typically 22% or your marginal rate)
- Calculate state tax (if applicable)
- Calculate FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare)
- Subtract total taxes from the share value
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Multiple vesting events
If you have multiple RSU grants vesting throughout the year, each vesting event is taxed separately. The cumulative effect can push you into higher tax brackets, increasing your effective tax rate.
Consider the timing of vesting events when planning your finances. Large vesting events late in the year may require estimated tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties.
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