Cash doesn't flow directly from buyers' pockets to Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond, Wash.
Instead, the company operates through three regional sales units, centered in Ireland, Singapore and Puerto Rico. These groups control the rights to profit from Microsoft products around the world.
By conducting sales from places with small populations and low tax rates, and routing some profit through virtually tax-free jurisdictions like Bermuda, Microsoft has cut billions of dollars from its tax bill over the last decade.
Select a region below to follow the convoluted path that a Microsoft sale can take.
Select a region above to follow the convoluted path that a Microsoft sale can take.