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··10 min read
Articles on Restricted Stock Units — taxation at vesting, withholding shortfalls, sell-to-cover strategies, and guides to manage your RSU tax bill.
20 articles
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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.
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.
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.
Optimize ISO exercise timing across 3-5 years