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ESOP Association Resources

Sep. 28
This is the first in a series of three articles regarding the preparation of the Section 409(p) test specific to S-Corporation ESOPs.  Previously published articles have provided a general overview of how the test works and the dire consequences of failing the test, but this series will describe the mechanics and information required to perform the test.
Sep. 22
Notice to Taxpayers is Heavy on Innuendo, Light on Specifics
On August 9, the Internal Revenue Service issued a statement suggesting a greater focus in the next year on S-Corp ESOPs and tax compliance, particularly for companies with a parent holding or management company structure and certain owner finance arrangements. While very short on specifics, the IRS communication appears to be driven by aggressive marketing of ESOP plans by some, although the IRS provides no specific examples of where an ESOP has been used in the manner they suggest.
Sep. 18
In early August, judges convened at The ESOP Association’s headquarters in Washington, DC, to review all entries submitted for the 2023 Annual Awards for Communications Excellence, or the AACE Awards.
The competition for this year’s AACE Awards was fierce, with ESOPs submitting more exceptional entries than in 2022, making the judges’ job much harder. Entries are accepted from TEA members divided into two categories:
Sep. 08
Employee Ownership Foundation’s New ESOP Employee Accelerator Program Teaches Lifelong Business & ESOP Knowledge, Helps Employees Think and Act Like Owners
May. 31
The history of M. Dyer Global started off with the vision of Medford Dyer back in the late 1960s.  At the time, only a few agents assisted the Department of Defense with logistic services in the Pacific.  He started M. Dyer & Sons in 1968 when his oldest son was still in elementary school.  He purchased a few trucks and a forklift by mortgaging his house, rented a warehouse, and soon after, about a dozen employees joined him to start M. Dyer & Sons.  
May. 24
An ESOP can connect employee actions with company success, but that doesn’t automatically result in employee-owners taking responsibility for the success of the company. Sharing financial information is a critical first step to provide employee-owners with an understanding of how the business is doing. In addition, it’s essential to build people’s financial literacy and create systems for participation that empower employee-owners to act on the financial information shared and positively impact company performance. 
What financial information should you share? 
May. 17
Every spring, a portion of the TEA Board of Directors turns over as terms expire and a new slate of nominees are put before the Association’s membership for election. This spring will also bring forward a biennial change in officers alongside those new faces joining the Board for the first time. Terms will begin on May 1 and last for two years. 
May. 10
Anyone involved with the ESOP community for any length of time has been confronted, and confounded, by the difficulties posed by the U.S. Department of Labor.  The DOL’s enforcement division – the Employee Benefit Security Administration (EBSA) – was tasked under ERISA with serving as the protector of employee beneficiaries of qualified retirement plans.  
May. 03
DOL Commits to Provide Long-Sought Regulatory Clarity with Stakeholder Input on the Valuation of Company Shares to be Bought by an ESOP
In a major victory for ESOPs, the U.S. Department of Labor earlier this month committed to move forward with a public notice and comment rulemaking on a key regulation the employee ownership community has sought since ESOPs were first created in 1974. The regulation will clearly define Adequate Consideration under Section 408(e) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), something The ESOP Association has long fought for.