Clear answers to your equity compensation questions
RSUs, stock options, ESPPs, and QSBS, in plain English. How your equity works, how it is taxed, and the decisions that cost or save you the most.
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Browse by equity type
Every grant type, with the same six angles: how it works, how it is taxed, the strategies, the pitfalls, the forms, and real scenarios.
Restricted stock units (RSUs)
The most common grant at public companies, plus PSUs. How vesting works, why the tax bill shows up before you sell, and whether to hold or sell the shares.
Restricted stock and RSAs
The actual shares founders and early employees receive, usually with an 83(b) election. How restricted stock awards (RSAs) differ from RSUs, and the early move that can save the most tax.
Incentive stock options (ISOs)
The option type with the best tax treatment and the worst surprise: the alternative minimum tax. How exercising works, when the AMT hits, and how to plan the year.
Non-qualified stock options (NSOs)
Also called NQSOs. The bargain element, the withholding, and the reporting error that makes people overpay. How to spread exercises across tax years.
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs)
The discount and the lookback that make a good ESPP one of the best deals at work. Qualifying versus disqualifying dispositions, and whether to sell at purchase or hold.
Hybrids and other equity
SARs, phantom stock, and other cash-settled or appreciation-based awards, plus secondary sales and tender offers. The equity that does not fit the standard grant types.
Start from your situation
Every guide is cross-tagged, so you can cut across all the equity types at once. Jump in by where you are, the tax in play, your goal, or the format you want.
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