zlacker

You pay normal tax on them when you sell after holding for 1 year, but an increased tax if you sell within that year.

>>dartos+(OP)
That’s not completely accurate.

In the US, equity given as compensation for work could be taxed as wages, or, under certain circumstances, as capital gains.

The one year is for some capital gains to get considered long term gains, which may be taxed at a lower marginal rate than regular wages.

In other words, if you are granted equity as compensation, go talk at length to a tax professional to get an understanding of the taxation of it.