DoorDash Employees: Smarter Ways to Manage Taxes on Appreciated Stock
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'DoorDash employees with concentrated stock positions may benefit from thoughtful tax planning that allows for tax deferral while balancing liquidity, compliance, and long-term compounding,' Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'DoorDash employees who hold highly-appreciated stock may want to consider tax-efficient strategies that help mitigate their liabilities while aligning with their overall retirement goals,' Patrick Ray, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
How taxes can affect investment returns, particularly on concentrated stock positions.
Exchange funds and options-based strategies as methods for tax deferral and diversification.
Alternative planning techniques outside ETFs, including charitable trusts and gifting strategies.
By Carlos Hernandez, Wealth Enhancement advisor
When it comes to driving portfolio returns, many investors aim to keep management fees low by investing in low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While fees matter, however, the real culprit for lower-than-anticipated performance is taxes.
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Wealth Enhancement advisor Carlos Hernandez explains: 'By losing less to taxes each year, investors have access to more capital that can continue to compound over time. This makes tax deferral an important part of an effective financial plan.' DoorDash employees looking for long-term growth strategies could benefit by understanding how to better manage their investment tax burdens.
Trade Money
One area where taxes can take a toll is on the sale of company stock or other concentrated investment positions. DoorDash professionals looking to diversify could face significant capital gains taxes on an outright sale. One way to diversify without triggering immediate capital gains is through exchange funds. By contributing their highy-appreciated stock to a pooled fund, investors can trade their concentrated holdings for shares in a diverse basket of securities. This method can be used by DoorDash employees who want to diversify while postponing taxable events.
Although this method allows for tax deferral, it also requires investors to hold the exchange fund for a period of time, typically seven years.
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This could create a challenge for investors who require liquidity. Additionally, these funds are often exclusively accessible to wealthy, accredited investors—something DoorDash executives should carefully evaluate.
Funds Based on Options
Another way to mitigate taxes on the sale of highly-appreciated stock is by using options contracts. The idea is to hedge risk with put options while covering the cost of those puts by selling call options—a strategy called 'collaring'. From there, the strategy reverses, with investors selling put options and using the proceeds to buy call option on an equity or bond index.
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If managed effectively, this helps to diversify a concentrated portfolio while still maintaining liquidity.
Given the complexity of this strategy, meticulous planning is necessary. It's generally recommended that investors work with an experienced financial advisor before pursuing this approach.
Things to Be Aware of
Although these strategies can be beneficial for DoorDash employees who hold highly-appreciated stock, caution is recommended. There are costs associated with these approaches, and potential liquidity risks. Additionally, the IRS may eventually contest such arrangements because their tax status has not been thoroughly examined—something DoorDash retirees should keep top of mind.
'Tax drag reduction strategies can be effective, but they must be assessed through the lens of risk, liquidity, cost, and compliance,' warns Carlos Hernandez. What is appealing in theory must hold up to inspection in the real world.
Alternative Strategies
Although they show promise, investors with highly-appreciated stock or those looking to postpone gains have other alternatives besides exchange funds or options. Other tactics could include:
- Prepaid variable forwards (subject to IRS regulations, contracts to sell at predetermined terms in the future).
- Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), which allow investors to donate appreciated stock to a charitable trust and receive a stream of regular income in return.
- Donor-advised funds (DAFs), which provide investors with a tax deduction for the fair market value of the appreciated stock they donate.
- Other gifting techniques, such as direct donations to charity or family.
Each has its own set of guidelines, advantages, and disadvantages. To limit unnecessary taxes or violating the constructive sale regulations, careful planning is necessary for DoorDash professionals managing complex portfolios.
The Bottom Line
Although the movement to mitigate the tax burden on investments is not new, the instruments are changing. Both exchange funds and options-based structures offer investors a way to manage tax liabilities, especially for DoorDash employees who hold highly-appreciated stock.
In the end, taxes are unavoidable. However, with the correct set of instruments, they can be controlled and postponed. 'The real value comes from aligning tax strategy with investment strategy,' summarizes Carlos Hernandez.
The 401(k) plan at DoorDash is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for their future by contributing a portion of their salary before taxes.
Does DoorDash match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, DoorDash offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings faster.
How can DoorDash employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
DoorDash employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the employee benefits portal during the enrollment period or after they become eligible.
What are the eligibility requirements for DoorDash's 401(k) plan?
To be eligible for DoorDash's 401(k) plan, employees typically need to meet certain criteria, such as being a full-time employee and reaching a specific duration of employment.
Can DoorDash employees change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, DoorDash employees can change their contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at any time through the employee benefits portal.
What investment options are available in DoorDash's 401(k) plan?
DoorDash's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles tailored to different risk levels.
Is there a vesting schedule for DoorDash's 401(k) matching contributions?
Yes, DoorDash has a vesting schedule for its matching contributions, meaning employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.
How can DoorDash employees access their 401(k) account information?
DoorDash employees can access their 401(k) account information online through the designated retirement plan administrator's website.
What happens to a DoorDash employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?
If a DoorDash employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to a new employer's plan, an IRA, or cash out, subject to tax implications.
Are there any fees associated with DoorDash's 401(k) plan?
Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related expenses associated with DoorDash's 401(k) plan, which are disclosed in the plan documents.
With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
I found information about DoorDash's employee benefits, including details on their 401(k) plan. DoorDash provides a 401(k) plan for its employees, which includes a matching contribution of 2% of the employee's salary. However, DoorDash does not offer a traditional pension plan. The 401(k) plan is the primary retirement savings vehicle, and employees are eligible to participate once they meet specific criteria, typically after one year of service.
The sources reviewed did not provide a detailed pension formula or specific company acronyms related to retirement plans, as DoorDash seems to focus more on its 401(k) offerings rather than traditional pension plans. The information was gathered from DoorDash's official resources and employee reviews on benefits websites
In 2023, DoorDash announced layoffs affecting approximately 1,250 employees as part of cost-cutting measures due to economic challenges. The severance package includes 17 weeks of pay and extended health benefits. Additionally, DoorDash is piloting a portable benefits savings program to help workers manage health insurance and emergency savings, indicating shifts in how the company approaches employee benefits. This restructuring reflects broader economic pressures, highlighting the need for companies to adapt their financial strategies amid changing market conditions.
For DoorDash, the company offers both stock options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) to employees as part of their compensation packages. The company's stock options are often granted with a four-year vesting schedule, and the RSUs generally vest over a similar period. Eligibility for these stock options and RSUs is typically limited to full-time employees, including executive-level positions.
In 2022, DoorDash continued to offer these benefits, with notable grants to key executives. The same trend persisted in 2023 and 2024, with some adjustments to the vesting schedules and the value of the stock options and RSUs reflecting the company's stock performance during these years.
Health Insurance Stipends: Under California's Proposition 22, DoorDash provides healthcare stipends to qualifying Dashers based on their active hours. For instance, those averaging 15 to 25 active hours per week receive $735 per quarter, while those exceeding 25 hours receive $1,470. This stipend is part of their effort to ensure that Dashers can access health insurance despite being classified as independent contractors.
Portable Benefits Program: In 2024, DoorDash launched a pilot program in Pennsylvania, introducing a portable benefits savings plan. This program allows eligible Dashers to allocate a portion of their earnings toward health insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off. The portability of these benefits is designed to cater to the flexible nature of gig work, ensuring that workers can maintain their benefits even as they move between jobs.
Merchant Health Benefits Initiative: DoorDash has also expanded its focus on healthcare benefits for employees of its restaurant partners. The "Merchant Benefits & Discounts" program, launched recently, offers discounted healthcare, mental health services, and other resources to small businesses. This initiative is aimed at helping restaurants attract and retain staff by providing access to affordable benefits typically available only to larger companies.
Collaboration with Stride Health: DoorDash has partnered with Stride Health to assist Dashers in selecting and managing their health insurance plans. This collaboration ensures that Dashers have access to personalized healthcare options that fit their needs, further supporting their independent contractor workforce with essential benefits.
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for DoorDash at 303 2nd St, Suite 800 San Francisco, CA 94107; or by calling them at (855) 973-1040.
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