Using ESOPs to transfer ownership

Description

Abstract: An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) can facilitate the transfer of a business to the owner's children or employees over a period of years in a tax-advantaged way. This article discusses how ESOPs differ from management buyouts, explains why a business valuation is essential and describes the potential costs. A sidebar explains why a federal district court recently rejected the government’s valuation of an engineering firm’s ESOP. Walsh v. Bowers, No. 18-00155 (D. Hawaii Sept.17, 2021).