N
The Global Insight

Can you purchase restricted stock?

Author

James Olson

Updated on March 09, 2026

Restricted stock is very different from a stock option. A stock option gives you the right to buy a set number of shares at a fixed price, but you don’t own the shares until you buy them. With restricted stock, you own the shares from the day they are issued.

Why do companies give restricted stock?

The restrictions are intended to deter premature selling that might adversely affect the company. Restricted stock typically becomes available for sale under a graded vesting schedule that lasts several years. Restricted stock is also referred to as “letter stock” and “section 1244 stock.”

What is an RSA vs RSU?

Differences between an RSA & an RSU First off, an RSA is a grant which gives the employee the right to buy shares at the FMV, at no cost, or at a discount. On the other hand, an RSU is a grant valued in terms of company stock, but you do not actually get the shares until the restrictions lapse or vest.

How is restricted stock taxed when sold?

RSUs are taxed as income to you when they vest. If you sell your shares immediately, there is no capital gain tax, and the only tax you owe is on the income. However, if the shares are held beyond the vesting date, any gain (or loss) is taxed as a capital gain (or loss).

What is the difference between common stock and restricted stock?

Restricted stock is given by a corporation, while common stock can be bought and sold at any time. This makes the recipient of the stock liable for income-tax consequences immediately but establishes a cost basis.

Do I have to pay taxes on restricted stock?

Taxation. With RSUs, you are taxed when the shares are delivered, which is almost always at vesting. Your taxable income is the market value of the shares at vesting. You have compensation income subject to federal and employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) and any state and local tax.

Is restricted stock better than options?

RSUs are taxed upon vesting. With stock options, employees have the ability to time taxation. Stock options are typically better for early-stage, high-growth startups. RSUs are generally more common for companies that are late-stage and/or have liquid stock.

What is the difference between restricted stock and RSUs?

RSUs represent an interest in company stock, but they have no tangible value until the shares vest and restrictions for the employee lapse. Another difference is that stock is not issued for an RSU until restrictions lapse, so RSUs do not count as outstanding shares. …

Is it better to take RSU or stock options?

Where does the purchase of restricted stock take place?

The purchase and sale of the Shares under this Agreement shall occur at the principal office of the Company simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the parties, or on such other date as the Company and Purchaser shall agree (the “Purchase Date”).

Is there a restricted stock purchase agreement for equity incentive plan?

EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN STOCK PURCHASE RIGHT NOTICE AND RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

What are the restrictions on common stock purchase agreement?

In addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws, Purchaser shall not assign, encumber or dispose of any interest in the Shares while the Shares are subject to the Company’s Repurchase Option (as defined below).

Can a stock purchase agreement be used to transfer shares?

Purchaser’s Rights to Transfer Shares . In addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws, Purchaser shall not assign, encumber or dispose of any interest in the Shares while the Shares are subject to the Company’s Repurchase Option (as defined below).