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Tax

RSU Tax Calculator

Estimate potential taxes and after-tax value associated with restricted stock units using the information and assumptions you provide.

Free to Use Instant Results Federal + State + FICA Mobile Friendly
Estimate Your RSU Taxes
Enter your RSU details and income information to estimate your total tax liability at vesting.
Total shares vesting this period
$
Fair market value on vest date
$
Salary + other income (excl. RSUs)
Your federal tax filing status
%
Enter 0 for no-tax states (TX, FL, etc.)
$
Year-to-date SS wages (2026 limit: $168,600)
⚠️ Please enter valid positive values for all required fields.
Gross RSU Value
$50,000
1,000 shares × $50.00
Estimated Total Tax
$0
Federal + State + FICA
Estimated After-Tax Value
$0
Gross RSU value minus total tax
Estimated State Tax
$0
At your state rate
Estimated Federal Tax
$0
Based on marginal bracket
Tax Breakdown
Gross RSU Value $50,000
Federal Income Tax
22% −$0
Social Security Tax
6.2% −$0
Medicare Tax
1.45% −$0
Additional Medicare Tax
0.9% −$0
State Income Tax
5% −$0
Estimated After-Tax Value $50,000
Tax year 2026
SS wage base (2026) $168,600
Additional Medicare threshold $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (MFJ)
Federal tax method Marginal rate on RSU income
Deductions applied None (gross income used)
State tax method Flat rate on RSU value
What are RSUs?

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are a form of equity compensation where an employer grants company shares that vest over time based on a schedule.

When RSUs vest, the fair market value is treated as ordinary income and is subject to federal, state and FICA taxes — just like your salary.

2026 Federal Tax Brackets
Up to $11,925 10%
$11,926 – $48,475 12%
$48,476 – $103,350 22%
$103,351 – $197,300 24%
$197,301 – $250,525 32%
$250,526 – $626,350 35%
Over $626,350 37%

* Single filer brackets shown.

RSU Tax Planning Tips
  • Set aside tax money before spending RSU proceeds.
  • Consider selling shares immediately to avoid additional capital gains risk.
  • Maximize 401(k) contributions to reduce taxable income.
  • Consult a CPA if RSUs push you into a higher bracket.
  • Track your cost basis carefully for future capital gains calculations.
  • Check if your employer withholds enough — you may owe more at filing.

RSU Tax Calculator

An RSU Tax Calculator helps you estimate the potential taxes and after-tax value of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) when they vest. Calc Zest lets you enter the number of RSUs, share price at vesting, other annual income, filing status, state tax rate, and year-to-date Social Security wages to create an estimated tax breakdown.

For U.S. employees, taxable compensation generally includes compensation received for personal services, and employment taxes can apply to taxable compensation.

How the RSU Tax Calculator Works

Enter your RSUs vesting and the share price at vesting to calculate the estimated gross RSU value. Then add your other income, filing status, state tax rate, and Social Security information. The calculator estimates potential:

Federal income tax
State income tax
Social Security tax
Medicare tax
Additional Medicare Tax, when applicable
Total estimated tax
After-tax RSU value
IRS Note

The IRS provides specific withholding rules for supplemental wages, including a 22% federal withholding method in certain circumstances. Withholding is not necessarily the same as your final tax liability.

Why Use an RSU Tax Calculator?

An RSU Tax Calculator can help you estimate how taxes may affect your vested shares and plan for potential tax obligations. You can also compare different share prices, income levels, and tax assumptions to better understand your financial picture at vesting.

Important RSU Tax Considerations

Your actual tax liability can differ from the calculator estimate because of:

Deductions and tax credits
Withholding amounts already collected
Social Security wage limits
State-specific tax rules
Your complete overall tax situation

Calc Zest results are estimates for educational purposes only and are not tax or financial advice. Consider consulting a qualified tax professional or CPA for personalized guidance.

Disclaimer

Results are estimates for informational and educational purposes only. This calculator is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws and individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified tax professional or CPA for advice specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

When are RSUs generally taxed?

RSU taxation generally occurs when shares or compensation become taxable under the applicable rules.

Q

Does RSU income count as wages?

Taxable RSU compensation can be treated as wage income and may be subject to applicable employment taxes.

Q

Does the calculator include state tax?

Yes. You can enter your applicable state tax rate to include it in the estimate.

Q

Can RSU taxes vary by income?

Yes. Your overall income and tax circumstances can affect your final tax liability.

Q

Is withholding the same as my final RSU tax?

No. Withholding is an amount collected during the year; your final tax liability is determined when you file your tax return.