YOUR EQUITY, WITH PERSPECTIVE

About Vestwise

A clearer view of what your restricted stock units could mean after tax.

What this tool does

Vestwise is an independent educational calculator for employees receiving ordinary stock-settled RSUs from publicly traded companies. It estimates the incremental federal income tax, payroll taxes, a flat-rate state tax assumption, and the difference between modeled tax and withholding for a 2026 US vesting event.

You can compare share-handling choices and stock-price scenarios, save a scenario in your browser, and export or print an estimate. No account or payment is required.

How the estimate works

The federal estimate compares modeled annual tax with and without this vest using 2026 tax brackets and the standard deduction. Payroll withholding is modeled separately from annual liability. State tax is an editable flat-rate assumption, including the California and New York presets; it is not a full state tax-return calculation.

Where it stops

The model assumes a US tax resident and full-year single-state wages. It excludes local taxes, California SDI, credits, itemized deductions, AMT, investment taxes, later sale gains, multi-employer adjustments, cross-border or multi-state sourcing, and estimated-payment safe-harbor calculations. Private-company and double-trigger awards require separate analysis.

These are estimates, not personalized tax, legal, or investment advice. Confirm your award terms, payroll treatment, and filing decisions with your employer or a qualified professional.

Sources and updates

The calculator links to IRS and Social Security Administration sources next to its methodology. The current model is for tax year 2026, with rules checked October 9, 2026. Government rules and individual circumstances can change.

Independence

Vestwise is not affiliated with the IRS, the Social Security Administration, your employer, or your stock-plan provider. No professional credential or government approval is claimed.