- RSUs and stock optionsVesting, exercise and sale, planned in advance.Learn more about stock options and RSUs →
- Executive tax returnsComplex federal and New Jersey returns, reviewed by a CPA.Learn more about tax preparation →
- Multi-state incomeTravel days, remote work and New York wages.Learn more about multi-state taxes →
- Trusts and estatesReturns for trusts and estates, and planning for heirs.Learn more about estate and trust returns →
A corporate town
Florham Park is home to BASF's North American headquarters and the New York Jets' headquarters and training center, both at The Green at Florham Park, along with other corporate offices. Many residents work for large companies here or nearby, so their pay includes stock awards, bonuses and deferred compensation, and their returns are anything but simple.
Equity compensation
- RSUs. Taxed as wages when they vest. Withholding at the 22% supplemental rate often falls short for higher earners, which is how a large April balance happens.
- ESPP. A qualifying disposition (two years from the offering date, one year from purchase) taxes only the discount as ordinary income. Selling sooner taxes the full spread as wages.
- Cost basis. Brokerage 1099-B forms often report RSU and ESPP shares with a basis of zero or only the price you paid. Reported that way, the same income gets taxed twice. We correct the basis on Form 8949.
- Incentive stock options. Exercising and holding can trigger alternative minimum tax. See stock options and RSUs.
Bonuses, deferred pay and job changes
- Deferred compensation. Choosing when to receive nonqualified deferred pay, often years in advance, can keep it out of your highest-income years.
- Moving between companies. Rolling a 401(k) directly to an IRA or a new plan avoids the 20% mandatory withholding on a check made out to you.
- Charitable giving. Donating appreciated company stock instead of cash avoids the capital gains tax and can be bunched through a donor-advised fund.
Family and estate planning
The federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person for 2026, and New Jersey has no estate tax, but it does have an inheritance tax on gifts to siblings, nieces, nephews and friends. We prepare trust and estate returns and coordinate with your attorney. See New Jersey inheritance tax.
How we work
Most of our work happens through our secure client portal, by phone and by video call, so there's no need to leave the office. In-person meetings are available by appointment. We respond within one business day, and we're available Saturdays as well as weekdays.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my RSU income counted twice on my return?
Usually because the brokerage reported a cost basis of zero. The value was already taxed as wages on your W-2, so the basis needs to be adjusted on Form 8949 to avoid paying tax on it again.
When should I sell my ESPP shares?
It depends on your tax rate and how much company stock you already hold. Holding two years from the offering date and one year from purchase makes it a qualifying disposition, which can lower the tax.
Does New Jersey have an estate tax?
No, not for deaths after 2017. New Jersey does still have an inheritance tax, though spouses, children, grandchildren and parents are exempt from it.
Are you close to Florham Park?
Our practice is in Mine Hill, in western Morris County. Most Florham Park clients work with us through our secure portal and by video, and in-person meetings are available by appointment.