Mark Zuckerberg considered leaving California over the billionaire tax

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg contemplated relocating from California due to a proposed billionaire tax, as disclosed in a recent SEC filing. Zuckerberg would receive a $20 billion windfall in immediate liquidity if the tax were to pass, which would allow him to sell stock without relinquishing control of Meta. Meta aimed to keep Zuckerberg in California by granting him a new class of shares, valued at $150 billion.

The shares would not enhance Zuckerberg's net worth or ownership percentage in Meta. The primary objectives were to ensure Zuckerberg continued leading Meta from California, particularly to maintain oversight of its AI division, Meta Superintelligence Labs. Zuckerberg, whose wealth is estimated at $240 billion, holds multiple residences in California, including locations in Palo Alto and Lake Tahoe, as well as properties in Hawaii, Miami, and Ireland.