How do I handle vested RSUs and sales that are shown on my W2 for 12/30 but the sale of shares to cover taxes is not on 1099B because it shows as a 1/3/17 sale?

[Anonymous]

Shares vested on 12/30/2016 and show up as income along with the tax withholdings on 2016 W2.  However, the brokerage transaction to sell shares to pay the taxes is reported as 1/3/17 so does not show up on 2016 1099B.  I have 3 other RSU transactions from earlier in the year that show up on my 1099.  Just not this one.  
Do I need to report the stock sale transaction in 2016 or do I just handle that next year and only report what is on my W2 and 1099B as is?

[TomYoung · Accepted solution]

I guess the path of least resistance here is to simply report that trade in 2017.  Since this is essentially a "same day" sale the typical result is a small loss due to selling commissions and fees.

Tom Young

[Anonymous]

Thanks Tom!  I decided to do the opposite after I entered my other RSU sell to covers that were on my 10(( and seeing how those were handled.  Essentially in 2016 I will show the income and taxes withheld via my W2.  In 2017, so that my 1099B matches what I report, I will show the stock sale and the small loss event.  I was too nervous about reporting stock sales that aren't shown on my 1099B for 2016 raising a red flag.

[TomYoung]

I think that's what I said, wasn't it?

[Anonymous]

Duh.  Yes.  Sorry.  Don't read so well.  2016, 2017 whatever it takes 🙂