Elon Musk's strategy of taking loans against stock options instead of selling stock to generate income allows him to avoid paying income taxes while still accessing funds for his lifestyle.
"He never got paid a salary running and owning Tesla. He got paid in stock options. ... instead of selling it and having an income, he goes to the bank and says, 'Hey, I have these stock options which are worth billions of dollars. How about you give me a loan at 3, four, 5% interest?' ... He takes that loan, pays 3 to four to 5% interest on it. ... He didn't have to take any money out, never took an income, doesn't pay any taxes, and is able to now spend his money, live free, buy whatever he wants, live rich, and not pay a penny in tax."