Dual Trigger RSU Acceleration Calculator
Many startup RSU grants have 'dual trigger' acceleration: if your company is acquired AND you're terminated within 12-18 months, your remaining shares vest. Calculate the accelerated value and tax impact.
| Remaining unvested shares | — |
| Single-trigger (vests on CoC only) | — |
| Dual-trigger (vests on CoC + termination) | — |
| Total accelerated shares | — |
| Accelerated gross value | — |
| Federal + state + FICA tax | — |
| Net after-tax accelerated value | — |
Dual-trigger RSU acceleration is the most common acquisition protection in startup equity. Both events must occur: (1) Change of Control (acquisition closes) AND (2) involuntary termination without cause within 12-18 months. When triggered, remaining unvested shares vest immediately — often the largest single liquidity event in an employee's career.
Single vs Dual Trigger
Single trigger: shares vest immediately on Change of Control regardless of employment status. Rare and acquirer-unfriendly (departing employees walk with full equity). Common only for founders and C-suite. Dual trigger: requires BOTH CoC + involuntary termination. Most common for employees. Standard 12-18 month termination window after CoC.
Good Reason Resignation
You can typically trigger dual-trigger acceleration even by RESIGNING — if you have 'Good Reason'. Standard Good Reason includes: (1) material role/title change, (2) compensation reduction (>10%), (3) relocation >50 miles, (4) significant duties reduction. Broad Good Reason = more employee protection. Negotiate this language carefully.
Negotiation Points
(1) Acceleration %: 50% (partial), 75% (most common at executive level), 100% (rare except C-suite). (2) Window: 12 months (typical), 18 months (above-market), 24 months (executive). (3) Good Reason definition: broader = more protection. (4) Partial single trigger: some grants have 25-50% single trigger + remainder dual trigger.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: SEC Disclosures, FindLaw Corporate Law.