And we see the entire point of the article. No real explanation of the mechanics or explanation of the long term accounting for these transactions. Just a simple point designed to pi$$ off regular folks in order to further the class warfare.

So... he borrows money without repaying it?

No, he sells stock. Pays tax. 20% apparently, which is higher than income tax and then pays the payments on the loan. Or maybe he uses part of the loan proceeds to pay the loan payments and then refinances again, but at some point he has to transfer some of that stock into cash and when he does he gets taxed on it.

How much Federal Income Tax does Tesla contribute for each and every employee?

You're going off topic again. Are you saying they should be exempt from paying income tax because they match their employees SS and Medicare? I'd like that deal. I match my employees too. Curiously no one is saying I shouldn't have to pay because of all the other taxes I pay or jobs I "create".

Also Tesla contributes zero dollars to their employees income tax burden.

This paragraph tells all you need to know about the purpose of CNN running that article.

"Infuriating, right?"

Oof,

Chip-

You'd be surprised, Mike and I actually agree on most things. He doesn't care for my business model or the fact that I've used Beechtalk to market the business and I understand that. I don't want Beechtalk to be a "State Fair" of vendors hawking their goods either.

I do try to give more than I take, and I hope most everyone sees that.

Mike is a brilliant guy, he does copious amounts of research and expects anyone who challenges him to have done the same. I respect that. At the end of the day, we're both business owners, his business is a lot bigger than mine so when he shares insight I pay attention.

I don't thing Greg is a bad guy and certainly don't think of him as an enemy, but when you come on this forum and say things that are perceived to criticize wealthy folks and capitalism, get ready! It's not that we idolize the wealthy, in fact I don't think I have ever met a Billionaire. BUT... we are all the same when it comes to being targeted by the media and politicians.

WE are those nasty rich people.

Greg, you are looking at it wrong.

If I create a position for someone, give them a job and a salary... every dime they give the government was a dime my company generated.

Criticize capitalism? You can't stop with your cliches versus what was actually said it seems. I own two businesses. You think I'd be a capitalist if I disagreed with it?

Hiring people is not benevolence. Quit giving yourself so much credit. We capitalists only hire to help ourselves and our business. Do you hire for any other reason?

Yes, I do. When I have time I will explain.

"Anything run by man has self-interest" - Milton Friedman

So... he borrows money without repaying it?

No, he sells stock. Pays tax. 20% apparently, which is higher than income tax and then pays the payments on the loan. Or maybe he uses part of the loan proceeds to pay the loan payments and then refinances again, but at some point he has to transfer some of that stock into cash and when he does he gets taxed on it.

I would imagine then you have some debt, loans, or LOC for those business. Possibly you refinanced a home to seed those businesses. How about a HELOC? Any of those things? Did you pay an income tax on the proceeds?

Yes, I do. When I have time I will explain.

Musk won't pay an estate tax. Ever hear of trusts? Yes, I've had business loans. What's the point? We do nice and charitable things for others in our community and our business. We have very low turnover. That's not why I hired them and not why you hired them either. Why did you hire them? Going off topic again.

Greg, could you please explain this further?

How would an employer contribute to (pay for) their employees’ tax burden without that being additional income; thus further taxed?

Maybe you mean it differently than I am reading it - this sounds like you are suggesting there should be some type of “fringe benefit” plan for income tax, when in fact, income tax is the earner’s obligation on the money they’ve earned.