Vested Tax
One-time CPA tax projection · $395
Know what you’ll owe—and what to pay before year-end.
RSU vests and ISO exercises often leave you owing more than you’ve paid. We project your 2026 taxes and tell you what to pay, and when.
Prepared and reviewed by a CPA who specializes in equity compensation.
Trusted by tech employees at
Why RSUs and ISOs lead to tax surprises
up to 37% owed
Your RSUs are probably under‑withheld
Employers withhold a flat 22% federal on RSU income—but many tech employees are in the 32–37% bracket. The difference shows up in April.
on an ISO exercise
Exercised ISOs? Watch for AMT
Exercising and holding ISOs can trigger the Alternative Minimum Tax—and nothing is withheld. Most people find out when they file.
in California over $1M
Over $1M in California?
The prior-year safe harbor protects you federally, but not in California. Above $1M, you must pay 90% of this year’s tax or face penalties.
How tax surprises happen
Two common situations we see with equity compensation.
Example scenario · illustrative, not an actual client
The big vest year
plus a California underpayment penalty
The situation
$700k of RSUs vest and $200k of stock is sold. Withholding covers 110% of last year’s tax.
What happened
RSUs were withheld at 22% but taxed at 35–37%. California income topped $1M, so the 110% rule didn’t protect them there.
What a projection shows
The gap months earlier, with the estimated payments and dates to avoid the penalty.
Example scenario · illustrative, not an actual client
The ISO exercise year
with $0 withheld
The situation
10,000 ISOs exercised at $3 when shares are worth $23, and the shares are held: $200k of gain on paper.
What happened
No regular tax on the exercise, but AMT kicks in: about $45k federal and $7k California, with nothing withheld.
What a projection shows
The bill right after the exercise, how much to set aside, and the AMT credit that may come back later.
Figures rounded and simplified for illustration: single filer, 2026 federal rates, California.
What’s in your projection
01
Projected 2026 federal and state tax liability
02
Withholding and estimated payments to date vs. what you’ll actually owe—and your expected balance due or refund
03
AMT check, including any ISOs exercised this year
04
A clear action plan: how much extra to withhold or pay, and the dates to do it
05
Safe-harbor check to help you avoid underpayment penalties
06
A written report explaining your results and next best steps
How it works
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Tell us about your situation
Takes about two minutes. A CPA reviews your answers and confirms we’re the right fit—before you pay anything.
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Sign your engagement letter
We send it within one business day. Sign online and you’re all set.
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Upload your documents
We send a short checklist: recent paystub, RSU vest statements, stock option exercise confirmations, last year’s full tax return, and any estimated payments.
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Receive your projection
Within 5 business days of receiving everything.
Who it’s for
A good fit
W-2 employees with RSUs and/or ISOs
ISOs you’ve already exercised this year (we include an AMT check)
Federal + one state
A big vest, ISO exercise, bonus, or stock sale this year
Worried withholding won’t cover the bill, or unsure whether to make estimated payments
Needs a different service
Self-employment or business income, K-1s, or rental properties
Planning future ISO exercises (how many to exercise, and when)
Multiple states, or a move mid-year
Not sure? Submit the form—we’ll tell you what fits.
TESTIMONIALS
PRICING
Tax Projection
$395
one-time
Projected 2026 federal and state tax liability
Withholding and estimated payments vs. what you’ll owe, plus expected balance due or refund
AMT check, including any ISOs exercised this year
Action plan: how much to pay or withhold, and the dates
Safe-harbor check to help avoid underpayment penalties
Written report explaining your results and next best steps
Frequently asked questions
Who is this for?
W-2 employees with RSUs or ISOs who’ve had a large vest, an option exercise, or a stock sale this year and want to know whether what’s been withheld will cover the bill. If your situation needs more than a projection—business income, K-1s, multiple states, or planning future option exercises—we’ll tell you, and recommend what fits, before you pay anything.
When should I get a projection?
Ideally once a quarter, and any time you have a large RSU vest or exercise stock options—each one changes what you’ll owe. If you haven’t had one this year, now is the time: before December 31 you can still increase paycheck withholding, and the final 2026 estimated payment is due January 15, 2027.
Who prepares my projection?
We use modern tools to build the numbers, and every projection is reviewed by a CPA who specializes in equity compensation and is responsible for the results.
I exercised ISOs this year. Is that covered?
Yes. We include the exercise in an AMT check and tell you whether you’re likely to owe AMT and how much to pay.
I paid 110% of last year’s tax. Am I safe?
Federally, usually yes. In California, not if your income this year is $1 million or more—then you need to pay at least 90% of this year’s tax. We check both.
What documents do I need?
A recent paystub, your RSU vest statements, exercise confirmations for any stock options you exercised (and sale confirmations if you sold those shares), last year’s full tax return, and records of any estimated payments. We’ll send a checklist tailored to your situation.
See if you qualify
Tell us a bit about your situation. We’ll reply within one business day.
No payment now. We’ll confirm fit first.
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