How are RSUs taxed at vesting?

On the vest date your company values the shares, reports the value as wages and withholds — usually by keeping some of your shares.

The number that matters

Shares vesting times the fair market value on the vest date. That is your ordinary income for the tranche.

Sell to cover

The default: the company sells enough shares to cover withholding and delivers the rest. You keep fewer shares but owe nothing extra at that moment.

Then it is just stock

After vesting, the remaining shares are ordinary shares. Holding them is an active investment decision, not part of your compensation.

This article is educational and not tax, legal, or financial advice. Talk to a CPA or tax advisor about your specific situation.

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