If you're using stocks to back your debit card purchases then you would be realizing gains incredibly frequently and therefore likely subjected to short term capital gains, which are taxed at normal income tax rates. You would not see a benefit in taxes in this scenario.

> I want to be paid in stock so I can avoid income tax

I'm paid partially in stock, still pay normal income tax of the value of the stock the day it's granted

Indeed. You need to be paid in stock that is nominally worthless. Until some magic happens later: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carried_interest

I'm pretty sure if you get compensated in stock, you still have to get taxed at the time of compensation (as income equal to the stock's initial value)

AMT

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_minimum_tax

The IRS figured that out long ago. Equity compensation is taxed as ordinary income at the moment it’s considered fully available and not forfeitable.