RSUs, ESPP & Stock Options
“What happens tax-wise when my RSUs vest?”
When RSUs vest, the tax picture often turns on the vesting date, the number of shares that become taxable, and whether any shares are withheld for payroll taxes. In many cases, the vested value is treated as compensation, which can affect wage reporting and later basis calculations if the shares are sold. The timing of the vest can also matter if there are multiple vesting events, a blackout period, or an immediate sale through a broker. State tax treatment and withholding mechanics can add another layer, especially when employment or residency has changed. Working through the specifics with a CPA is the cleanest way to land on the right move.
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.
“What taxes apply to my RSUs?”
“Can someone explain the tax rules for my RSUs?”
“Do my RSUs count as taxable income, and when?”
“I got RSUs and don’t understand the tax side, can you help?”
“My RSUs vested and my paycheck looks off, did I already pay the tax?”
“My ESPP shares 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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