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Moving from New York to Washington with RSUs

Washington has no state income tax on wages; understand what New York may still tax from your NY period.

Rates and rules change. Check the tax year and last-reviewed date on each page, then confirm against IRS or state guidance before you file.

State sourcing rules may depend on facts and timing

Which state taxes RSU income depends on residency, work location, grant terms, and vest date, not just where you live on December 31. Day-count splits and flat-rate estimates on this site are planning tools only, not legal sourcing determinations.

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Washington does not impose a state income tax on wages, so vests earned as a Washington resident generally are not taxed by Washington. New York may still tax income tied to your New York work or residency. How earlier equity is sourced depends on timing and the facts of where you worked.

Why this happens

Washington has no broad personal income tax on wages.

New York can tax compensation connected to in-state services or your New York residency period.

Remote work for a New York employer can raise questions about where the work was performed.

Move date alone does not settle how earlier-earned equity is allocated.

What to check

  • Your residency change date and documentation.
  • Whether you continued working for a New York employer.
  • Which vests fell in your New York period.
  • Whether part-year New York (and NYC) filing applies.
  • New York guidance or a professional for sourcing.

Common mistake

Expecting the move to erase New York exposure on equity earned while you lived and worked there. Washington adds no state tax, but New York's claim depends on the facts.

Example scenario (hypothetical)

Illustration only, not your tax situation.

Example: Casey relocates to Washington and keeps the same employer remotely. A soon after the move may be Washington-side for residency, but any portion earned during New York work can still be subject to New York's rules.

When to get help from a tax pro

  • You kept a New York employer after moving.
  • Vests straddle the move date.
  • You had NYC residency before leaving.
  • You are unsure about part-year filing.

Related calculators

Related pages

For learning, not filing

Grants, employers, and states all differ. Use your own documents and a qualified tax professional before you make decisions from this guide.