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
Tax planning for equity compensation — estimated payments, exercise timing, multi-year strategies, and practical guides to minimize your total tax liability.
18 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Optimize ISO exercise timing across 3-5 years