A Leverage ESOP versus a Non-Leverage ESOP An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is a qualified retirement plan that allows employees to hold equity in the sponsor company that employs them. There are various strategies that may be considered when the sponsor company forms an ESOP. One important structural decision regarding the ESOP formation is whether the ESOP will be leveraged or non-leveraged. This d ...

Has the new federal tax regime set forth the grounds to reconsider an ESOP? An ESOP is a qualified retirement plan that can use debt financing to buy company stock from the company’s owner(s). It’s a serious option for any business owner who wants to liquidate some or all of his or her ownership. Martin Staubus reviews how ESOPs work, as well as the benefits they provide to buyers (employees) and sellers (o ...