Microsoft Employees
Coordinate Your Microsoft Equity
From RSU strategy to mega backdoor Roth, I work with Microsoft employees on equity compensation decisions.
Alex Carter, CFP®
Bellevue, WA · 13+ years advising clientsYour Microsoft equity decisions
RSU Tax Planning
Optimize the tax impact of your Microsoft RSU vesting schedule. I help you plan for supplemental tax withholding, estimated payments, and long-term strategies.
RSU Tax Planning: What Amazon and Microsoft Employees Need to KnowMega Backdoor Roth
Take advantage of Microsoft's 401(k) plan features to make Roth contributions through the mega backdoor strategy, potentially $30,000+ per year in additional tax-advantaged retirement savings, subject to qualified-distribution rules.
RSU Tax Planning: What Amazon and Microsoft Employees Need to KnowESPP Optimization Strategies
Capture Microsoft's 10% quarterly discount while avoiding the tax and concentration traps that erode it. I advise on holding period decisions, qualifying versus disqualifying dispositions, and when selling immediately after purchase makes more sense than holding.
RSU Tax Planning: What Amazon and Microsoft Employees Need to KnowConcentrated Stock
Diversify away from a concentrated Microsoft position with the goal of tax efficiency using strategies like systematic selling, charitable giving, and exchange funds. Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances; consult your CPA.
Deferred Compensation
Navigate Microsoft's deferred compensation programs and coordinate them with your broader wealth plan.
Financial Independence
Many Microsoft employees achieve financial independence early. I help plan the transition with tax-efficient withdrawal strategies and healthcare planning.
Microsoft Equity FAQs
How does the mega backdoor Roth work at Microsoft?
Microsoft's 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions beyond the standard limit. These can be converted to Roth, allowing potentially $30,000+ in additional tax-advantaged retirement savings annually (subject to qualified-distribution rules). I coordinate this with your overall tax and retirement strategy in conjunction with your CPA.
When should I sell my Microsoft RSUs?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your tax bracket, total Microsoft exposure, financial goals, and market outlook. I create a personalized diversification plan that balances tax efficiency with risk management.
How can I plan for taxes on my Microsoft equity?
Strategies include holding for long-term capital gains, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving of appreciated shares, and timing sales around income fluctuations. I build a multi-year strategy around your vesting schedule. Tax preparation and tax advice are provided by your CPA; I coordinate strategy with your tax professional.
This information is general education and not personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the experience of any specific client. Tax preparation and tax advice are provided by your CPA. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Client Resources
RSU Tax Planning Checklist
A step-by-step checklist for Amazon, Microsoft, and tech employees managing RSU vesting, ESPP timing, mega backdoor Roth implementation, and equity diversification.
Guides & WorksheetsWorking together
Getting Started Is Simple
- 01
Discovery Call
Schedule a 30-minute discovery call. We'll talk through your goals, answer your questions, and see if we are a good fit.
- 02
Financial Review
Share your financial picture: accounts, statements, goals, and concerns. I analyze everything to build a complete understanding of your situation.
- 03
Strategy Presentation
I present a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. Ask questions, make adjustments, feel confident.
- 04
Implementation
I coordinate the implementation with you: account transfers, investment allocation, insurance applications, and ongoing monitoring.
Financial Planning with Investment Management. An ongoing advisory fee calculated as a percentage of your household advisory assets, billed quarterly.
Financial Planning Only. A fixed quarterly fee, with no assets required.
The investment management fee scales with the assets I manage. The planning-only fee is based on the complexity of the work. I walk through both structures with you in our first conversations and we determine which one fits your situation.
Fees & PricingReady to take the next step?
Schedule a discovery call to talk through your situation and see if we are a good fit.
Schedule a Discovery Call