Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are a popular form of equity compensation, particularly in tech companies and startups. When RSUs vest, they convert into actual shares of stock. The value of these shares at the time of vesting is considered RSU income and is treated just like regular earnings on your paycheck.
Here’s a closer look at what RSU income means and how it impacts your taxes:
Definition
RSU income is the fair market value (FMV) of the stock on the date your Restricted Stock Units vest. At that moment, the shares are considered earned compensation, and the value of those shares becomes part of your taxable income. This amount is reported on your W-2 form and treated as ordinary income, just like your salary or bonus. There’s no special or reduced tax rate for RSU income—it’s taxed at your regular federal, state, and FICA rates.
How RSU Income Affects Your Paycheck
When your RSUs vest, the fair market value (FMV) of the vested shares is added to your gross income for that pay period. This increase in income means your employer will withhold applicable taxes, including federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA taxes such as Social Security and Medicare. To help cover the immediate tax burden, many companies automatically sell a portion of your vested shares. This process is known as “sell to cover,” and it ensures the necessary withholding taxes are paid without requiring you to come out of pocket.
What Is RSU Income
Example
Suppose you receive 100 RSUs that vest when your company’s stock is trading at $40 per share.
The RSU income is 100 x $40 = $4,000.
That $4,000 is treated as ordinary W-2 income and taxed accordingly.
Key Tax Points to Remember
RSU income is taxed when the shares vest, not when they are granted.
You owe taxes whether or not you sell the shares right away.
Any future gains or losses from holding the shares after vesting will be taxed under capital gains rules, not as RSU income.
