Companies use employee stock ownership plans and employee stock purchase plans as part of their benefits program. An ESPP allows employees to set part of their paychecks aside to buy company stock at a discounted price. ESOPs are defined contribution plans that operate in a similar manner to 401(k) plans.
Ownership
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An ESOP is intended to provide benefits after an employee retires, while an ESPP offers immediate rewards. ESPP participants own the stock immediately. ESOP participants own stock purchased with their own contributions but employer-purchased shares vest over a scheduled period.
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Tax Advantages
ESPP participants are not taxed on the discount they receive at the time of their stock purchases. If the shares are eventually sold at a higher price, capital gains taxes will apply to the profit earned on the sale. Shares in an ESOP are purchased with pre-tax money, so the employee pays less taxes while he is working. When the stock is withdrawn at retirement, the full amount of the distribution will be taxed.