The Delaware Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPN) is a program designed to allow employees of Delaware-based companies to purchase company stock at a discounted price. ESPN is a popular employee benefit program that grants employees the opportunity to become shareholders of the company they work for. Under a Delaware Employee Stock Purchase Plan, employees can set aside a portion of their salary to buy company stock through regular payroll deductions. These deductions are usually made on an after-tax basis. The accumulated funds are then used to purchase shares of the company's stock at a predetermined discount, often at a discount of around 10-15% of the market price. Participating in an ESPN can be advantageous for employees as they can potentially benefit from any increase in the stock price, leading to capital gains when they eventually sell the shares. Additionally, the discounted price allows employees to acquire company stock at a lower cost compared to the open market. There are two primary types of ESPN that are commonly offered: qualified and non-qualified plans. Qualified plans, also known as Section 423 plans, provide tax advantages to employees. Contributions made to these plans are deducted from the employee's taxable income, resulting in potential tax savings. However, there are specific rules and eligibility criteria that need to be met to qualify for these tax benefits. On the other hand, non-qualified plans do not provide the same tax advantages as qualified plans. Under this type of ESPN, employees may not receive any special tax treatment, and the discount received on the stock purchase may be subject to ordinary income tax when the shares are eventually sold. Delaware-based companies may offer variations of ESPN based on their specific requirements and objectives. Some companies may have specific vesting periods, during which employees need to wait before selling their acquired shares. Others may impose limitations on the maximum number of shares an employee can purchase or restrict stock purchases to certain times of the year. Overall, the Delaware Employee Stock Purchase Plan is an attractive benefit package for employees, allowing them to become company shareholders and potentially benefit from the company's success in the stock market. By participating in an ESPN, employees can build wealth over time while also aligning their financial interests with those of their employer.