RSU Financial Advisor
Plan the tax bill, the diversification, and the vesting cliffs — before the RSUs actually vest.
RSUs look simple until they are not. Every vest is ordinary income at fair market value, employer withholding usually undershoots your real tax rate, and the longer you hold the vested shares, the more concentrated your net worth becomes in a single stock. An RSU-focused advisor helps you convert those vesting events into a coordinated tax, cash, and investment plan — instead of a surprise bill every April.
What an RSU advisor plans for you
Vesting is a taxable event; selling is a separate one. A good RSU advisor coordinates both across the calendar year so nothing gets missed.
- Estimate the true federal + state + payroll tax on each vest
- Fund the shortfall between employer withholding and your marginal rate
- Design a sell-to-cover or sell-at-vest policy that fits your goals
- Plan diversification without triggering unnecessary capital gains
- Coordinate 10b5-1 trading plans around blackout windows
- Layer in ESPP, ISOs, or performance stock units where relevant
The withholding gap most people miss
Employers typically withhold 22% federal on supplemental income for RSU vests (37% above $1M). If your marginal rate is higher, that gap becomes an estimated tax payment you owe — and if you missed it, an underpayment penalty on top. This is the single most common RSU-tax surprise we see.
How Frame matches you
SecureMatch™ pairs you privately with advisors who work on RSU-heavy compensation every day — public-company employees, pre-IPO operators, and post-lockup founders. Your identity stays anonymous until you decide to share it.
Frequently asked questions
Should I sell RSUs as soon as they vest?
Often yes, especially if your net worth is already concentrated in the employer stock. Vesting is already a taxable event at fair market value, so selling at vest usually creates no incremental tax — and it converts single-stock risk into a diversified portfolio.
How are RSUs taxed?
The full fair market value at vest is ordinary income. Any gain or loss from vest to sale is a separate short- or long-term capital gain depending on how long you hold. State tax generally follows your state of residence at the time of vest.
Do I need an RSU advisor if my grants are small?
If your annual RSU income is under about $50K, a spreadsheet and a tax-savvy accountant may be enough. Above that, coordinated planning across taxes, diversification, and cash flow usually pays for itself.
Can I use Frame with public-company RSUs?
Yes. Frame models RSU grants from public and pre-IPO companies, including vesting schedules, tax exposure, and concentration risk.