Amazon Direct Stock Purchase Plan Guide

Amazon offers a Direct Stock Purchase Plan (DSPP) rather than a traditional ESPP. Unlike ESPPs, Amazon's DSPP allows employees to purchase company stock at market price with no discount. Purchases are made through payroll deductions, making it a convenient way to acquire Amazon stock, though without the built-in discount that ESPPs provide.

DSPP shares are purchased at fair market value. Your cost basis is the purchase price. When you sell, gains are taxed as capital gains (long-term if held over 1 year, short-term otherwise). No special holding period requirements like traditional ESPPs.