Restricted Stock Units

[Mr Scruff]

I work for an American company who issued me with some RSUs 12 months ago, divesting over 3 years. Thing is, no one really explained how they work and can't get a straight answer from anyone!

First lot have divested this month and in my payslip I see a line in the 'Earnings' section for 'RSU Income'. I then see a deduction amounting to 57% of the 'Earnings' labelled 'RSU Proceed's.

Confused as to what's happened here, can anyone shed any light? I've not instructed the provider (Fidelity NetBenefits, if that makes any difference) to sell anything and they seem to be marked as 'Distributed'.

How does this all work? Can I assume that I've now paid tax on the divested shares and - when I choose to sell - I get the total value shown in the provider portal?

[Mr Scruff]

Thanks - I still don't understand why I'm seeing income from them in my payslip though.

Tried asking by boss yesterday and he had no idea!