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Level 2
posted Mar 7, 2021 9:50:01 AM

Cost basis of RSU and ESPP

I had RSU vesting last year and also purchased ESPP. In both instances I essentially sold the shares on the same date they vested/were purchased. The full value of the RSU as well as the discount I get on the ESPP is included as income on my W-2 and my company has deducted taxes. Also, for both the ESPP and RSU my company automatically withhold and sells shares to cover these taxes.

 

When I import the 1099 from E*TRADE into turbotax the cost basis for the RSU is $0 and the cost basis for the ESPP is using the discounted stock price times the number of shares awarded after tax withholding. This is not right I think since it would mean I am being taxed twice.

 

In both the ESPP and RSU case, should I use the number of shares awarded times the market share price on the day of purchase/vesting?

 

I am a Swedish citizen living in the US since summer of 2019. Last year I had help from PwC to do my taxes, but this year I am trying to do them myself. I think what I wrote in bold above is correct but want to make sure so I do not get into trouble with the IRS.

 

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1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 10, 2021 1:50:20 PM

You are correct.  You should be adding the income that was included in your W-2 to the cost basis for your sale.