When this workflow applies

Use it before a large vest, after a compensation change, before moving states, or when your company stock has moved sharply between grant, vest, and sale planning.

Step-by-step workflow

  1. Enter each upcoming vest date, share count, expected vest price, and existing salary or bonus income.
  2. Choose the state that applies to the compensation and model California, New York, Washington, or other U.S. state assumptions separately.
  3. Compare sell-on-vest, staged sale, and hold scenarios using after-tax proceeds rather than pre-tax share value.
  4. Export the assumptions for CPA review before you rely on the result for an actual transaction.

Common risks to check

  • Supplemental wage withholding can be lower than the final tax owed.
  • Moving states around a vest may create sourcing questions that need professional review.
  • Holding concentrated employer stock after vesting adds market risk that is separate from tax planning.

How EquityTax Pilot fits

EquityTax Pilot starts with a live RSU simulator, then adds reminders, tax-lot tracking, and side-by-side strategy reports so the planning conversation is based on net proceeds.