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··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
83(b) Election Explained: What It Is, How to File, and When It Saves You Thousands
A complete guide to 83(b) elections — what they are, how to file, the 30-day deadline, and when filing saves you tens of thousands in taxes on startup equity.
Mike Navarro··11 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
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··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
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··10 min read