The IRC permits employers to make contributions to certain qualified plans in the form of employer stock, if the plan permits.
1 The restrictions on prohibited transactions normally limit these contributions to certain profit sharing plans and plans established as employee stock ownership plans (“ESOPs”).
2 ESOPs also are permitted to purchase stock from the employer under a complex set of ERISA and IRC provisions.
Planning Point: No employer should consider such a transfer or sale unless the decision is coordinated with ERISA-qualified legal counsel.