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Handling RSU sales in TurboTax without double-counting

TurboTax can handle RSUs when you import forms in the right order and fix basis before filing.

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.

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The usual flow is to enter your (which already includes income), then enter sales and correct the when it imports as $0. The exact screen labels change by version and year, but the principle is the same: adjust basis to the value so the gain is not overstated.

Why this happens

Software imports the literally, including any $0 basis, unless you adjust it.

Your already carries the income, so an unadjusted sale can double-count that income as gain.

Most consumer tax software has a path to enter or correct the on a stock sale.

What to check

  • That your with income is entered first.
  • Imported sales for a $0 or blank basis.
  • Your or supplemental records for the correct basis.
  • Whether the software offers a 'corrected basis' or adjustment field on each sale.
  • That the resulting gain looks reasonable versus the price change since .

Common mistake

Accepting the imported $0 basis and a huge gain. That is where the refund estimate suddenly drops. The fix is adjusting basis to the value, not re-entering income.

Example scenario (hypothetical)

Illustration only, not your tax situation.

Example: After importing, the software shows a $9,000 gain on a sale because basis came in as $0. The shares actually vested at $8,700. Entering the corrected basis reduces the reported gain to about $300, and the refund estimate recovers.

When to get help from a tax pro

  • The software will not let you adjust basis cleanly.
  • You have dozens of lots and importing is error-prone.
  • Your totals still do not reconcile after adjusting.
  • You are unsure which lots are short- vs long-term.

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.