Youโve Been Granted RSUs: What You Need to Know!
When you receive equity compensation from an employer, it typically requires a comprehensive financial plan โ and restricted stock units are no exception. Itโs crucial to understand how RSUs work, their tax implications, and how they fit into your overall financial strategy.
Understanding Restricted Stock Units
RSUs are typically granted to employees upon hiring, throughout employment, or tied to corporate performance goals. Here is how they typically work:
- Grant Timing: RSUs are usually granted at specific times during your employment. The initial grant is usually the most significant.
- Vesting: You acquire the actual shares over a set period or โvestingโ schedule. Until shares vest, you wonโt receive dividends or have voting rights.
- Vesting Structure: The vesting schedule can be graded, with shares delivered over specific increments, or have a cliff, such as one year of employment. Leaving the company early could result in forfeiting unvested shares.
- Selling or Holding: After RSUs vest, you have the option to sell the shares or continue holding them. Consider your financial goals and the companyโs growth potential when making this decision.
Developing a Tax Strategy for RSUs
Itโs essential to have a tax strategy in place when dealing with RSUs to avoid any surprises. Here are some key things to consider:
- Income Tax: You will incur regular income taxes on the market value of shares as they vest. Your companyโs withholding may not cover your full tax liability.
- Withholding Rates: Companies typically have a flat withholding rate of 22% or 37%. You may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments if the withholding rate is lower than your tax bracket.
- Capital Gains Tax: The taxes on shares you sell depend on how long youโve owned them. Long-term gains are taxed at lower rates than short-term gains.
- Complete Tax Situation: Consider how selling or holding RSUs will impact your overall tax situation, including issues like college financial aid and eligibility for tax breaks.
Now that you understand how RSUs work and the tax implications involved, you can make informed decisions about managing your equity compensation. Developing a solid financial plan that incorporates RSUs can help you maximize their benefits while minimizing any potential risks.
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