RSUs, ESPP & Stock Options
“I got RSUs, ESPP, and options and I'm not sure how taxes work for them?”
RSUs, ESPP shares, and stock options are often taxed in different ways, so the answer usually depends on the type of award, when shares are acquired or sold, and whether there is a later sale at a gain or loss. With RSUs, the timing of vesting can matter, while ESPP and options often involve different treatment for payroll reporting, ordinary income, and capital gains. The company’s plan documents, brokerage statements, and W-2 or 1099 reporting are usually important pieces of the picture. State tax treatment can also vary, especially if work was performed in more than one state. A CPA who reads your specifics can usually tell you, in plain English, where this lands.
In your 60-minute session, the KGOB advisor handling it will:
- Read your exact situation and tell you, in plain English, what’s actually going on.
- Lay out your options and the trade-offs — no jargon, no judgment.
- Give you a clear next step you can act on, whether that’s with us or on your own.
“How are my RSUs, ESPP, and stock options taxed?”
“I have equity comp and I don't know how it's taxed, can you explain?”
“My RSUs, ESPP, and stock options confuse me for taxes, what does this mean?”
“How is my mix of equity compensation taxed on my return?”
“My RSUs vested and my paycheck looks off, did I already pay the tax?”
“My stock options vested and my paycheck looks off, did I already pay the tax?”
This page is a prompt to start a conversation, not tax or legal advice, and states no tax-law specifics as fact. A consult session does not by itself create an ongoing engagement. We do not promise specific outcomes or savings. Kohari Gonzalez Oneyear & Brown PLLC — Charlotte, NC.
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