[drdec]

A popular technique is to be compensated in options. Don't exercise the options, but take out loans against them.

[pc86]

This is incredibly tech-specific, where most workers make a small fraction of $1M a year.

Physicians don't get options, attorneys don't get options. This is a fairy tale answer not grounded in reality.

[drdec]

So what is your answer then?

[pc86]

I don't need an answer to point out that your response is relevant to probably 3 or 4 people every year who:

    - live in Washington State; AND
    - are compensated at least in part in options; AND
    - are compensated in excess of $1M a year; AND
    - are compensated far enough in excess of $1M a year that they are willing to spend time and money lowering that tax liability

But the answer is "you can't, at least not legally" for everyone except those few people.