RSU Tax Calculator
Calculate tax on restricted stock units at vesting. See federal, state, and FICA withholding.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications
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
Vesting is the moment your Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) become taxable, and estimating that liability ahead of time keeps you from being caught off guard. A solid estimate supports your budget, helps you sidestep underpayment penalties, and gives you a clearer footing when deciding whether to sell the shares or hang on to them.
On the vesting date, the fair market value of the shares counts as ordinary income and is hit with income tax along with Social Security and Medicare. The calculation applies your marginal tax rate to that vested value and layers in the withholding rates that employers commonly apply, though what is actually withheld in your case can differ.
State and local taxes deserve a place in your planning too, since they can move your total bill substantially depending on where you live. And because withholding at vesting often falls short of what you ultimately owe, you may find a balance still due when you file.
Example: scenario with $50,000 in RSUs
- 1 Input: 1,000 RSUs vesting, current stock price $50, your marginal federal tax rate 24%, state tax rate 5%, FICA 7.65%
- 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 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 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?
Why is my RSU tax withholding so high?
Should I sell RSUs immediately when they vest?
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