1. What are the different features of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs)?

2. What are the two types of ESOP's and their main characteristics?

3. What are the general requirements of employee stock ownership plans and their relationship to an S Corp?

4. Explain the different benefits of using ESOPs in a business organization for the employees and employer?

5. Discuss the different elements of an employee stock ownership plan and how these elements set each plan aside from other benefits.

6. What are some of the different practices and practicalities of ESOPs for S Corporations?

7. Explain prohibited allocations of stock in an S Corporation ESOP and why this might occur.

8. Discuss the different types of abusive transactions and how one might combat these and learn to avoid them in an S Corporation.

Professional Development Question

You may use one or a combination of the following when completing this exercise:

1. Online research

2. Real-life experiences

3. Interview or professional experts

4. Textbook materials

Write a 1-2 page paper that discusses what employee stock ownership plans are, and how thesecome into contact with S Corporations, as well as how they might be leveraged in tandem with an S Corporate form to provide better benefit protections here under the tax law. Be sure to include the tax treatments that are involved here, and what else should be considered from the employee, and employer's perspective here. Students should include at least one reference in their paper submission, in addition to their comments and thoughts on the required content.