- Tax Incentives: When RSUs vest, you typically pay income tax on the market value of the stock. The company may withhold and remit the corresponding tax at that time. Within 60 or 30 days post-vesting, the tax treatment usually remains unchanged, meaning that selling will not incur any additional tax burden.
- Trading Window Period: Many companies establish a trading window period following the vesting of RSUs. This allows employees to sell shares freely during a specified timeframe. Companies often avoid trading windows during financial report releases or other significant events to mitigate the risk of insider trading.
Selling shares immediately after vesting may result in short-term capital gains, which are taxed at higher rates. If you hold the stock for over a year, you may qualify for the lower long-term capital gains tax rate. If the company's stock has long-term growth prospects, selling immediately might cause you to miss out on potential future profits.
In summary, the decision to sell stocks within 60 or 30 days after RSUs vest should be based on your risk tolerance, assessment of the company's future prospects, and tax strategy. If your goal is to lock in profits, mitigate risk, or obtain liquidity, selling sooner may be advisable. Conversely, if you believe in the company's long-term potential, consider delaying the sale to take advantage of possible appreciation and lower capital gains tax rates.