What Happens to Your Stock When Life Changes

Major life events can significantly impact your equity compensation. Learn what happens to your RSUs, stock options, and ESPP when you leave your job, get laid off, retire, or experience other major changes.

Job Change

Job Change

What Happens to Your Stock When You Leave Your Job

When you voluntarily leave your job, your equity compensation is affected in different ways depending on the type. RSUs, stock options, and ESPP all have different rules for departing employees.

RSUsISOsNSOsESPP

Layoff

Layoff

What Happens to Your Stock When You Get Laid Off

Being laid off creates urgent decisions about your equity compensation. Learn about accelerated vesting, exercise windows, and financial considerations when your employment ends involuntarily.

RSUsISOsNSOsESPP+1

Retirement

Retirement

Retirement and Your Stock Compensation

Retirement triggers important decisions about your stock options and equity compensation. Learn about extended exercise windows, tax planning, and how retirement differs from regular departure.

ISOsNSOsRSUsPSUs

IPO & Liquidity

IPO & Liquidity

IPO Lockup Expiration: What You Need to Know

After an IPO, most employees face a lockup period preventing them from selling shares. Learn what happens when the lockup expires and how to plan for this important event.

RSUsISOsNSOsRSAs

Divorce

Divorce

Divorce and Equity Compensation: What You Need to Know

Divorce can significantly complicate your equity compensation. Learn how stock options, RSUs, and other equity are typically divided, valued, and handled during divorce proceedings.

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Related Resources

How are RSUs taxed when they vest?

RSUs are taxed as ordinary income at vesting. Your employer typically withholds federal, state, and FICA taxes.

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What are the tax implications of exercising ISOs?

ISOs may trigger Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) at exercise. Capital gains treatment applies if holding period requirements are met.

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How do I calculate my ESPP returns?

ESPP returns depend on the discount percentage, lookback provision, and whether you hold for a qualifying disposition.

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What tax do I owe on my stock options?

NSOs are taxed as ordinary income at exercise. ISOs have more favorable tax treatment but may trigger AMT.

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