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
RSU Tax Rate: How Much Tax Do You Really Owe on RSUs in 2025?
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··8 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··11 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··12 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··10 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··10 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··12 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··10 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··13 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··11 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··13 min read