Here is a visual to outline all major compensation and benefits events at Microsoft. Add these dates to your Outlook calendar so you don’t miss a beat!

YEARLY REVIEW ITEMS:

January: Review 401(k) Contributions (update if the maximum allowable amount has changed)

September: Cash Bonus is Paid + Reviews/Promotions Take Effect

October: Review 401(K) Contributions, Ensure Max By Year-End (we like to do this post cash bonus)

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (DCP) - LEVEL 67 AND ABOVE:

May 1-31: Open Enrollment for Deferred Compensation Election for following fiscal year cash bonus (September of the following year after this one)

November 1-30: Open Enrollment for Deferred Compensation Election for upcoming calendar year base salary (your election starts on January 1st)

MICROSOFT STOCK AWARDS:

February: MSFT Stock Awards Vest*

May: MSFT Stock Awards Vest*

August: MSFT Stock Awards Vest*

November: MSFT Stock Awards Vest*

MICROSOFT ESPP:

March 31: MSFT ESPP Q1 Period Ends** + Mid-Year Promotions

June 30: MSFT ESPP Q2 Period Ends**

September 30: MSFT ESPP Q3 Period Ends** 

December 31: MSFT ESPP Q4 Period Ends**

*Not everyone follows this exact schedule. On hire stock grants, special stock, and other retention stock may follow a different vesting schedule

**If enrolled, your stock is deposited to your Fidelity Individual account in the next 1-2 business day