> You're still taxed on the value of the stock at the you received them. That's true; in practice executives may create a little flexibility in determining whe

> You're still taxed on the value of the stock at the you received them. That's true; in practice executives may create a little flexibility in determining when they were received. This was a problem for Apple/Jobs: https://www.cultofmac.com/460003/jobs-backdating-scandal/ https://www.cultofmac.com/460003/jobs-backdating-scandal/ regarding Jobs having super-appreciated Apple stock, I'm not a Jobs history expert but IIRC he sold all of his stock when he was ousted out of spite, keeping some token amount (internet suggests to be just one share to still get shareholder reports). That could be urban legend. IIUC his net worth dipped a lot in the 90s and he became a billionaire from Pixar's sale to Disney.