You should sell the RSUs that have either lost you money or those that are at break even. The goal is to own a specific amount of employer shares while realizing the least amount of taxes. As an example, let’s say you have 100 shares. You want to hold only 50.

How are restricted stock units taxed when sold?

Taxation. With RSUs, you are taxed when the shares are delivered, which is almost always at vesting. Your taxable income is the market value of the shares at vesting. You have compensation income subject to federal and employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) and any state and local tax.

Are restricted stock units taxed as ordinary income?

RSU Taxes: RSU compensation is taxed as ordinary income when the shares vest and based on your shares’ value on the vesting date. Think of them like a cash bonus that’s linked to the price of your company’s stock.

What happens to RSUs if you die?

As described below, subject to certain exceptions for performance-based RSUs, if you die while holding unvested RSUs, your unvested RSUs immediately will vest, and all of your RSUs will be paid out in shares or in cash, at the Company’s discretion, as soon as is administratively practicable after death.

Is there a special holding period for RSU shares?

Unlike with incentive stock option (ISO) or employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) shares, there is no special holding period rule that can reduce your tax bill for RSU shares. If you do hold the shares, then they will be taxed exactly as if you had purchased them on the open market on the day they vested.

How does restricted stock units work with an RSU plan?

How Restricted Stock Units Work With an RSU plan, the company offers the employee an economic interest in the company stated as a specific number of shares of company stock. The stock is not immediately given out to the employee, however, but is instead awarded at a future time upon completion of a stated goal or on reaching a stated date.

Do you pay capital gains tax when you sell RSU shares?

When you sell the shares, you will pay capital gains tax on any appreciation of the market value from the vesting date when you received the RSU shares. If you sell the shares immediately, before they increase or decrease in value, there will be no capital gains tax due.

What does it mean to sell employee stock purchase plan?

Learn About Selling Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares. An employee stock purchase plan (referred to as an ESPP) allows you to buy shares of company stock at a price that is below market value. The terms of each plan differ, but generally, you can buy shares for about a 10-15% discount.