Is your RSU withholding leaving you with a tax bill?
When RSUs vest, most employers withhold federal tax at a flat 22%. If your income puts you in the 24%, 32%, 35% or 37% bracket, that is not enough, and the difference shows up as a surprise in April. Enter a few numbers to see the gap and what to set aside.
Your 2026 numbers
How the RSU income is taxed
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We’ll email you exactly what is on this page, including the inputs you used, so you can share it with your spouse or CPA. No sales follow-up unless you ask.
Three ways to close the gap
Set aside cash from each vest
Sell enough shares at vest to cover the true rate, not just the 22%, and park the difference in a savings account until the tax is due.
Add extra withholding on your W-4
Line 4(c) on Form W-4 adds a fixed dollar amount to every paycheck. Divide the gap by the paychecks left this year.
Make an estimated payment
Pay the gap directly to the IRS (Form 1040-ES or IRS Direct Pay) by the quarterly deadline after the vest to avoid an underpayment penalty.
Want a plan for your vesting schedule?
We work with Apple, Intuit and other tech employees on RSU taxes, selling strategy and concentration. Bring your vest schedule and we’ll map out the year.