If you work at Intel in the East Valley, a big part of your pay is not cash. It is stock. RSUs, the ESPP, and deferred comp can build serious wealth. They can also create tax surprises and leave you with too much money tied to one stock. We help Intel employees plan around all of it.
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When RSUs vest and ESPP shares add up, your savings can quietly become mostly Intel stock. RSUs usually vest over about three years, so each vesting date is a decision point. The ESPP lets you buy Intel shares at a 15% discount, which is a great deal, but it adds even more Intel stock to your pile. We help you decide what to sell, what to hold, and how to spread your risk across other investments.
Intel’s 401(k) lets many employees make after-tax contributions and convert them to Roth. This is the mega-backdoor Roth. In 2026 the total 401(k) limit from all sources is $72,000. After your own $24,500 contribution, that can leave up to $47,500 of after-tax room to turn into tax-free Roth savings, less any employer match. Done right, it can be a strong tax move open to you.
If you are at grade level 10 or higher, you can use SERPLUS, Intel’s deferred compensation plan. You can defer up to 75% of your bonus and up to 60% of your salary. That can lower this year’s tax bill and build more savings. But there is a catch most people miss. SERPLUS money is an unsecured promise from Intel, not protected like your 401(k). If Intel ever ran into serious trouble, that money could be at risk. The choices are also made ahead of time and are hard to undo. We help you decide how much to defer, when to take it out, and how much SERPLUS risk fits your plan.
The 2025 layoffs changed the math for many Intel workers, and they came with no severance. If you are laid off and not retirement-eligible, your unvested RSUs are usually cancelled, and you often have only 90 days to act on vested stock options. If you meet Intel’s retirement rules, you may get accelerated vesting and up to 12 months for options. Your ESPP money for the current period is refunded. We help you move fast and avoid costly mistakes during a transition.
Call Capital Choice Arizona at (602) 396-2741. We will help you plan the tax and timing before your next vesting date.
For other inquiries, you can reach us at (602) 396-2741.
Yes, and we know the specifics of Intel pay — RSUs, ESPP, and deferred comp.
Yes — after-tax 401(k) contributions and Roth conversions.
You often have about 90 days to act on vested options; we help with timing and taxes.
Yes, for grade 10 or higher.
