A guide to restricted stock awards (RSAs)

Receiving restricted stock awards (RSAs) from your company is a big deal—congratulations! RSAs are a form of equity compensation that will pay out in shares after a specified vesting (or waiting) period.

Accepting your award and opening your account
To accept the award and make it officially yours, go to Fidelity NetBenefits^®Log In Required. If you're new to Fidelity, you'll be asked to create a username and password and then open a Fidelity brokerage account (the Fidelity Account^®) when you accept your award. If you already have an eligible account with us, we'll link your award to that account.

Tracking your award value
The value of your award is based on the share price of your company's stock. Go to NetBenefitsLog In Required to see how much your award could be worth.

Receiving your payout
Your award pays out after a vesting period your company sets. On the vesting date, you'll become the full owner of the shares—go to NetBenefitsLog In Required to find out when that happens.

Managing your payout
Your shares will pay out to your brokerage account. To protect your assets, consider adding a beneficiary to your account. Easily sell some or all of your sharesLog In Required and link your bank accountLog In Required to access cash.

Understanding your taxes
Your RSA is considered taxable income and you'll pay income taxes when it vests (unless you choose an 83(b) election and pay the income taxes at the grant date). You may also be subject to capital gains taxes when you sell the shares. Use Fidelity's tax-planning resources to learn more about taxes, when they're paid, and how to file your tax return.

Getting help
We'll stay in touch through the full life cycle of your award and let you know when there's action to take. Head to your Profile pageLog In Required to confirm your contact information is correct, so you never miss an update or time-sensitive communications.