What belongs in a severance comparison
Base-pay continuation is only one part of an offer. Record benefits, earned bonus or commission, unused leave, equity that vests before termination, retention payments, and any amount tied to signing a release as separate lines.
Base Pay Calculations
Convert annual salary to weekly pay, then multiply by the number of weeks stated in the written offer. Do not treat an industry rule of thumb as a legal entitlement.
RSU Acceleration
Use the award agreement and separation documents. Unvested equity may be forfeited, vest through a stated date, or receive negotiated treatment.
Withholding is not final tax
Payroll withholding depends on the country, payment type, timing, and payroll rules. Final tax depends on the full annual return, so model the package in gross dollars and obtain a jurisdiction-specific after-tax estimate separately.
Withholding Tax Rates
Do not apply a single percentage across countries or payment types. Ask payroll for the proposed treatment of salary continuance, retiring allowance, bonus, equity, and benefits.
RRSP Rollovers
Canadian transfer treatment is limited and fact-specific. Confirm eligible service years, available contribution room, and direct-transfer requirements with CRA guidance or a tax professional.
Review before signing
Notice, severance, restrictive covenants, benefit continuation, references, release language, and statutory deadlines vary by location. Preserve the offer and employment documents and get local legal advice when the release is material.