vestingtax.com
RSU tax calculator

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. Content is reviewed for tax year 2026. Check the last-reviewed date and methodology on each page, then confirm against IRS or state guidance before you file.

Spot an outdated rate or date?

We update when we can, but we miss things. Send a link to the official source if you have one.

Email us

In plain terms

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.

How the tax works

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 on your end

  • 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 a CPA is worth it

  • 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 .

Sources and notes

Primary tax claims on this page are supported by the official and secondary sources below. Broker and software links describe reporting mechanics — confirm rules against IRS or state guidance.

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

Related calculators

Related pages

For learning, not filing

VestingTax.com is not a CPA firm or tax preparer. Grants, employers, and states all differ. Use the cited IRS and state sources above, your own documents, and a qualified tax professional before you make decisions from this guide.

Editorial standardsDisclaimer