RSU / Equity Tax Calculator
Input Information
Result
Total taxable value
$150,000
Federal tax
$36,000
State tax
$7,500
FICA
$11,475
Total tax
$54,975
After-tax value
$95,025
Estimate the after-tax value of RSU vestings and option exercises with federal, state, and FICA taxes.
- Enter vested shares and FMV at vesting.
- Enter federal, state, and FICA rates.
- Review the after-tax value.
N: shares, P: price, t: tax rates
- Plan liquidity — tax hits at vesting regardless of selling.
- Long-term holding lowers capital-gains rates.
QWhen are RSUs taxed?
RSUs are taxed as ordinary income at the fair market value when they vest — not when you exercise, because there is no exercise for RSUs.
QDo I owe tax if I don't sell?
Yes. Vestin creates taxable ordinary income that year even if you hold the shares; many use sell-to-cover to pay it.
QHow is later appreciation taxed?
Appreciation after vesting is a capital gain; holding over one year qualifies for lower long-term capital gains rates.