“We chose to live in Silicon Valley, and whatever taxes, I guess, they would like to apply, so be it,” Huang said. “I’m perfectly fine with it. It never crossed my mind once.”
His stance highlights a growing divide among tech leaders — between those willing to absorb higher taxes and those opting for preemptive relocation.
Apple, Corporate Departures, and Economic Ripple Effects
The Wealth Tax debate intersects with a broader trend of companies scaling back their California footprint. Apple has already begun relocating employees to Texas, with some workers told to move or face termination. Reports indicate Apple is offering full relocation packages, including housing assistance and cultural training, signaling a coordinated long-term strategy.
Apple Is Forcing Dozens of Employees to Relocate
A departure from Apple would have severe local consequences. Cupertino could lose nearly $60 million in revenue tied to sales tax disputes, potentially forcing layoffs and service cuts. At the state level, California already faces a $12 billion budget deficit, flat revenue projections, and lingering fallout from a $165 billion revenue miscalculation in 2022.
