RSU Tax Calculator

Calculate tax on restricted stock units at vesting. See federal, state, and FICA withholding.
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Strategy

Gross Value at Vest

$50,000.00

Total Tax

$22,325.00

Net Value

$27,675.00

Tax Breakdown at Vest

Gross Value (ordinary income)$50,000.00
Federal Tax$16,000.00
State Tax$2,500.00
Social Security$3,100.00
Medicare$725.00
Total FICA$3,825.00
Total Tax$22,325.00
Net Value$27,675.00

Use the RSU Tax Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

This calculator helps you estimate the tax liability on your Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) when they vest. Understanding this is crucial for budgeting, avoiding underpayment penalties, and making informed decisions about selling or holding your shares.

When RSUs vest, their fair market value on the vesting date is treated as ordinary income and is subject to income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes. The calculator applies your marginal tax rate to the vested value and accounts for typical withholding rates, though actual withholding may vary.

Don't forget to account for state and local taxes, which can significantly impact your total tax burden. Also, be aware that tax withholding at vesting may not cover your full tax liability, potentially leading to a balance due at tax time.

Example: scenario with $50,000 in RSUs

  1. 1 Input: 1,000 RSUs vesting, current stock price $50, your marginal federal tax rate 24%, state tax rate 5%, FICA 7.65%
  2. 2 Calculation: Total vested value = 1,000 shares * $50/share = $50,000. Estimated federal tax = $50,000 * 24% = $12,000. Estimated state tax = $50,000 * 5% = $2,500. Estimated FICA tax = $50,000 * 7.65% = $3,825. Total estimated tax = $12,000 + $2,500 + $3,825 = $18,325.
  3. 3 Result: Your estimated total tax liability on these RSUs is $18,325. This means approximately $18,325 of the $50,000 vested value will be owed in taxes.
  4. 4 Takeaway: After taxes, your net value from the RSU vesting is approximately $31,675. This highlights the importance of planning for the tax impact of RSUs and not solely focusing on the gross vested amount.

Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How are RSUs taxed when they vest?
RSUs are taxed as ordinary income at vesting based on the fair market value of the shares. Your employer withholds federal tax (typically 22% supplemental rate), state tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). Any gain after vesting is capital gains.
Why is my RSU tax withholding so high?
Employers typically withhold at the 22% federal supplemental rate (37% on amounts over $1 million), plus state tax and FICA. This flat rate may over- or under-withhold relative to your actual marginal bracket. You reconcile on your tax return.
Should I sell RSUs immediately when they vest?
Many financial advisors suggest selling RSUs at vesting to avoid concentrated stock risk. Holding is essentially the same as buying your company stock with after-tax cash. Consider your overall portfolio diversification.

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