Think outside the retirement planning box – ESOPs can help owners and employees fund their golden years

Description

Abstract: Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) are a popular retirement planning tool, especially among manufacturers and distributors. Most ESOPs are set up to provide a market for a departing owner’s interest in a closely held business. But they can also serve as a supplemental employee benefit plan or a mechanism to borrow money under favorable tax rules. This article explains how ESOPs work, outlines special guidelines that may apply and identifies key financial benefits ESOPs can provide to owners and employees.