Retirement Plans
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a qualified, defined contribution employee retirement plan that invests primarily in company stock. Both public and private companies can establish ESOPs. An ESOP’s unique plan provisions and leveraging capabilities require specialized consulting and expertise. Providing stock ownership benefits is a great way to reward your employees with a benefit tied to your company’s performance while affording the company substantial tax benefits.
Retirement Plans
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a qualified, defined contribution employee retirement plan that invests primarily in company stock. Both public and private companies can establish ESOPs. An ESOP’s unique plan provisions and leveraging capabilities require specialized consulting and expertise. Providing stock ownership benefits is a great way to reward your employees with a benefit tied to your company’s performance while affording the company substantial tax benefits.
Employee Stock Ownership Plans
(ESOP) With Watkins Ross
Many companies consider creating an ESOP during their ownership succession planning. ESOPs can provide a ready market for the stock and allow shareholders with management responsibilities to sell gradually and ease out of the business, while deferring taxation on the gains from the sale of their stock. Establishing an ESOP can create a corporate “ownership” culture, enhancing employee performance, job satisfaction and retention; while preserving the company’s legacy and business continuity.
As a 100% ESOP-owned company ourselves, we understand that comprehensive administration of an ESOP is required if a company intends to take full advantage of the financial opportunities sponsoring an ESOP can offer. From initial feasibility and design services to S-Corp anti-abuse testing and periodic repurchase obligation analysis, we help you maximize the benefits of having an ESOP.
Curious if an ESOP is right for your company? Our ESOP Checklist serves as a general guide to help you determine if your company is a good candidate to sell to an ESOP. Our ESOP Brochure includes additional information regarding ESOP plans and the services we offer.
Contact Watkins Ross if you have questions or would like help determining if you should implement an ESOP.
Financial & Management
Resources
Checklist
Is Your Business A Good Candidate for an ESOP? (PDF)
View All Resources >>
Related Articles
Employee Stock Ownership Plans
401(k) Retirement Plan Audit
401(k) Retirement Plan Audit Why does my 401(k) retirement plan need an audit? The 401(k) plan audit is mandated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and is intended to make sure a plan is being run correctly. The audit seeks to; (1) review 401(k)...
It is Time Again to Rewrite Your Defined Contributions Plans
It's Time Again to Rewrite Your Defined Contribution PlanIRS has recently announced that employers with pre-approved defined contribution plans (401(k), profit sharing and money purchase) will need to have their plan documents rewritten within the next two years. The...
CARES Act – Suspension of Loan Payment Provision
CARES Act - Suspension of Loan Payment Provision If adopted by the plan, this applies to all qualified employees still working as well as qualified furloughed employees and those on a temporary leave of absence. Loan payments due between March 27, 2020 and December...
