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What should I look for on a 1099-B after selling RSUs?

1099-B for RSUs often shows low or zero basis. that does not mean your true basis is zero.

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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Compare proceeds to your broker statement, check whether basis is blank or zero, note if the security is noncovered, and tie the sale back to a specific lot. Then reconcile to your income so you do not double-count or omit basis.

Why this happens

is the broker's report of sales, not a full picture of your lifecycle.

sales often appear like any other stock sale even though part of the economics was wage income at .

Brokers may aggregate multiple small sales on one line.

Wash sales, fees, and plan fees may not be obvious without reading footnotes.

The IRS matching system compares to your return, wrong basis triggers notices.

What to check

  • Box 1d proceeds, matches your expectation net of fees?
  • Box 1e , empty, zero, or a real number?
  • Box 3 holding period, short-term vs long-term from , not grant.
  • Box 5 noncovered security, common for plan sales.
  • Multiple forms if you use more than one brokerage entity.

Common mistake

Importing into tax software and accepting the computed gain without reading the basis column. Spend five minutes on basis now or spend weeks on an amended return later.

Example scenario (hypothetical)

Illustration only, not your tax situation.

Lee receives a showing $8,200 proceeds, $0 basis, short-term, noncovered. Lee finds the matching confirmation: 100 shares at $75 ($7,500 on ). Lee reports $700 gain after basis adjustment, not $8,200, and attaches consistent numbers across Form 8949 and Schedule D.

When to get help from a tax pro

  • proceeds do not match any trade you remember.
  • You have both covered and noncovered lots.
  • You sold at a loss and want to understand harvesting against other gains.
  • You received Form 3922 or other equity forms in addition to .

Related calculators

Related pages

Sources and notes

Reading 1099-B boxes and reconciling to W-2 vest income.

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.