Google RSU Guide: GSU Vesting Schedule, Taxes, and Strategies
How Google RSUs (GSUs) work — the 1-year cliff, monthly vesting, refresh grants, sell-to-cover defaults, and tax strategies for managing bracket creep.
Mike Navarro··13 min read
MN
Mike Navarro
Founder & Software Engineer at EquityTax
Mike Navarro is a software engineer who builds equity compensation tools. After nearly triggering a ~$60K AMT bill during his own ISO exercise at a startup, he built EquityTax to help employees avoid the same mistake. All tax content on this site is reviewed against current IRS publications.
Credentials
- Built EquityTax after personal experience with ISO AMT
- Software engineer specializing in financial tools
- All content verified against IRS publications
Articles by Mike Navarro (37)
Amazon RSU Guide: Vesting Schedule, Taxes, and Planning Tips
Everything Amazon employees need to know about RSU vesting — the back-loaded 5/15/40/40 schedule, tax implications of large Year 3-4 vests, and strategies to avoid surprises.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
RSU vs Restricted Stock: 83(b) Elections, Taxation, and Key Differences
RSUs are a promise to deliver shares at vest. Restricted stock is actual shares granted immediately (subject to forfeiture). The key difference: restricted stock is eligible for the 83(b) election, which can save tens of thousands in taxes. RSUs are not.
Mike Navarro··13 min read
Stock Options vs Other Equity Types: ISOs, NSOs, RSUs, SARs, and More
A comprehensive overview of all equity compensation types --- stock options (ISOs and NSOs), RSUs, restricted stock, phantom equity, SARs, and profits interests. Covers how each is taxed, when companies use them, and which you are most likely to receive at each company stage.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
RSU vs ESPP: How They Work, Tax Rules, and Which to Prioritize
A complete comparison of RSUs and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) covering how each works, tax treatment for qualifying vs disqualifying dispositions, the 15% ESPP discount, lookback provisions, and strategies for maximizing both.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
RSU vs ISO: Tax Treatment, Risk, and When Each Makes Sense
How RSUs and Incentive Stock Options differ in tax treatment, risk profile, exercise requirements, and which is better depending on your company stage and financial situation.
Mike Navarro··9 min read
RSU vs Stock Options: Value, Risk, and Tax Differences Explained
A comprehensive comparison of RSUs and stock options covering how each works, risk profiles in up/flat/down markets, tax timing, exercise costs, and which is more common at different company stages.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
ISO vs NSO: Tax Differences, AMT Risk, and Which Is Better for You
A detailed comparison of Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) covering tax treatment at exercise and sale, AMT implications, the $100K annual limit, and holding period requirements.
Mike Navarro··15 min read
How Is AMT Calculated? Step-by-Step Guide with ISO Exercise Example
A complete step-by-step walkthrough of the AMT calculation: AMTI, exemption, rates (26%/28%), and comparison to regular tax. Includes a $200K salary + $300K ISO spread worked example.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
Disqualifying Disposition: What Happens When You Sell ISOs Early (and When It's Smart)
A disqualifying disposition is selling ISO shares before meeting the holding period. Learn the two requirements, tax consequences, and when selling early is actually the better strategy.
Mike Navarro··13 min read
IRS Form 6251: The AMT Form Explained Line by Line (With ISO Exercise Example)
Form 6251 is how you calculate Alternative Minimum Tax. Walk through the key lines, understand AMT adjustments and preferences, and see a worked example with ISO exercise.
Mike Navarro··11 min read
Vesting Schedule: Types, Examples, and How It Affects Your Equity Compensation
A vesting schedule determines when you earn your equity. Compare time-based, milestone-based, and hybrid schedules, plus real examples from Google, Amazon, and startups.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
Cliff Vesting Explained: What It Is, Why It Exists, and How It Affects Your Equity
Cliff vesting is the initial waiting period before any equity vests. Learn about the standard 1-year cliff, what happens if you leave early, and how different companies structure their cliffs.
Mike Navarro··13 min read
Strike Price (Exercise Price): What It Is, How It's Set, and Why It Matters
Your strike price determines your profit when exercising stock options. Learn how companies set it, the role of 409A valuations, what happens when options go underwater, and the tax implications.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): What It Is, Who Pays It, and How ISOs Trigger It
The AMT is a parallel tax system that ensures high earners pay a minimum level of tax. Learn how it works, current exemption amounts, and why ISO exercises are the #1 trigger for tech employees.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): What They Are, How They Work, and How They're Taxed
A complete guide to RSUs — from grant to vest to sale. Understand the lifecycle, tax treatment, sell-to-cover mechanics, and how RSUs differ at public vs private companies.
Mike Navarro··13 min read
Washington Income Tax: No State Tax, But Watch Out for the Capital Gains Tax on Equity
Washington has no income tax, but the new 7% capital gains tax applies to stock sales over $270K. Guide for Amazon, Microsoft, and tech employees with RSUs and ISOs.
Mike Navarro··15 min read
Texas Income Tax: Why No State Tax Doesn't Mean No Tax Planning for Equity Compensation
Texas has no state income tax, but tech employees with RSUs and stock options still face significant federal tax obligations. Complete guide to equity tax planning in TX.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
New York Income Tax: 2026 Brackets, Rates & How NY Taxes Your Equity Compensation
Complete New York state income tax guide. Tax brackets, NYC tax, supplemental withholding, and how NY taxes RSUs, ISOs, and stock options.
Mike Navarro··15 min read
California Income Tax: 2026 Brackets, Rates & How CA Taxes Your RSUs and Stock Options
Complete California income tax guide. Tax brackets for all filing statuses, Mental Health Tax, supplemental withholding, and how CA uniquely taxes RSUs and ISOs.
Mike Navarro··13 min read
State Income Tax Guide: Rates, Brackets & How States Tax Equity Compensation
Compare state income tax rates, brackets, and supplemental withholding rates for equity compensation. Detailed coverage of CA, NY, TX, and WA with a summary of all state tax categories for tech employees.
Mike Navarro··14 min read
Quarterly Estimated Tax Guide for Equity Compensation
Complete guide to quarterly estimated taxes for equity compensation. Due dates, safe harbor rules, and penalty calculations for RSU, ISO, NSO, and ESPP income.
Mike Navarro··14 min read
How Equity Compensation Affects Your Tax Return: RSUs, ISOs, and 83(b)
Complete guide to reporting equity compensation on your tax return. Which IRS forms report RSUs, ISOs, and 83(b) elections — W-2, 1099-B, Form 6251, Form 3921.
Mike Navarro··15 min read
How RSUs Affect Your Tax Refund (and Why You Might Owe)
RSU vesting can turn your expected tax refund into a surprise bill. Learn why 22% withholding creates shortfalls and how to plan ahead.
Mike Navarro··11 min read
Estimated Tax Payments After ISO Exercise: Avoid the AMT Penalty
ISO exercises can trigger AMT estimated tax requirements. Learn safe harbor rules, quarterly payment deadlines, and how to avoid the IRS underpayment penalty.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
Do I Need to Pay Estimated Taxes on RSU Income?
Learn when RSU vesting triggers estimated tax payment requirements, why 22% withholding creates a shortfall, and how to avoid IRS underpayment penalties.
Mike Navarro··12 min read
2026 Federal Tax Brackets and Tax Rate Schedules (IRS Official)
Complete 2026 federal income tax brackets for all filing statuses with IRS-sourced tax rate schedules, standard deductions, AMT exemptions, FICA thresholds, and capital gains rates.
Mike Navarro··11 min read
Stock Options Tax Calculator: ISO and NSO Tax Impact Compared
Compare the tax impact of exercising ISOs vs NSOs with our free stock options tax calculator. See how exercise timing, holding periods, and AMT affect your bottom line.
Mike Navarro··9 min read
Equity Compensation Calculator: ISOs, RSUs, and 83(b) Elections in One Tool Suite
Free equity compensation calculators for ISOs, RSUs, 83(b) elections, and IPO lock-up planning. Find your AMT-free limit, RSU withholding shortfall, and optimal exercise strategy.
Mike Navarro··7 min read
IPO Lock-Up Period: What Happens to Your Shares and Tax Strategy
During a 180-day IPO lock-up, you can't sell shares but may still owe taxes. Learn about the liquidity gap, 5 financing options, and how to plan ahead.
Mike Navarro··10 min read
How Are RSUs Taxed? A Complete Guide to Vesting, Selling, and Withholding
RSUs are taxed twice: as ordinary income when they vest, and as capital gains when you sell. Learn exactly how each event is taxed and how to minimize your bill.
Mike Navarro··11 min read
When to Exercise Stock Options: Timing Strategies for Maximum Value
The timing of your stock option exercise can save or cost you hundreds of thousands in taxes. Compare 4 exercise timing strategies with concrete examples.
Mike Navarro··10 min read
RSU Tax Withholding: Why 22% Is Never Enough (and What to Do About It)
Your employer withholds 22% on RSU income, but your actual tax rate is 40-55%. Learn why the gap exists and 3 ways to avoid an April surprise.
Mike Navarro··9 min read
Exercise Stock Options Before IPO: Tax Implications and Strategy Guide
Should you exercise stock options before your company goes public? This guide covers the tax implications of pre-IPO exercises, 83(b) elections, AMT planning, and multi-year strategies.
Mike Navarro··8 min read
AMT Calculator for Stock Options: Find Your AMT-Free Exercise Limit
Use our AMT calculator to find the maximum number of ISOs you can exercise without triggering Alternative Minimum Tax. Includes 2026 exemption amounts and a step-by-step example.
Mike Navarro··11 min read
RSU Tax Rate: How Much Tax Do You Really Owe on RSUs in 2026?
Your actual RSU tax rate is much higher than the 22% your employer withholds. Learn exactly how federal, state, and FICA taxes apply to your RSU vesting.
Mike Navarro··9 min read