South Dakota Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPN) is a program offered by employers to their employees in South Dakota, allowing them to purchase company stocks at a discounted price. ESPN is a popular employee benefit program that encourages employees to become company stakeholders and directly invest in the company's success. This plan can provide several advantages, such as tax benefits and the potential for long-term capital growth. The main objective of the South Dakota Employee Stock Purchase Plan is to give employees the opportunity to become shareholders of the company by providing them with a convenient and cost-effective way to purchase company stocks. Through this program, employees can set aside a portion of their paycheck to acquire company stocks during designated enrollment periods. By participating in a South Dakota ESPN, employees can enjoy certain advantages. One such advantage is a discounted purchase price. Typically, companies offer stocks at a price lower than the market value, allowing employees to acquire shares at a discounted rate. This discount can vary, but it is usually around 10% to 15% off the market price. Another advantage of the South Dakota ESPN is the potential for tax benefits. Normally, the income tax is levied on the difference between the purchase price and the fair market value of the stocks at the time of purchase. However, participating in an ESPN often allows employees to defer taxes until they sell the stocks, potentially reducing the overall tax burden. It is worth noting that there might be different types of ESPN offered in South Dakota, depending on the employer's design. Some common types include: 1. Qualified ESPN: This type of plan meets certain requirements outlined by the Internal Revenue Code, offering employees tax advantages such as favorable tax treatment on the purchase discounts and the possibility of qualifying for long-term capital gains rates upon selling the shares. 2. Non-Qualified ESPN: Unlike the qualified ESPN, this plan does not meet certain tax-advantaged requirements set by the Internal Revenue Code. Although employees still benefit from purchasing stocks at a discounted price, the discount might be subject to ordinary income taxes when the stocks are sold. 3. Look back ESPN: A look back ESPN allows employees to purchase shares at a discounted price based on the stock's value at the beginning or end of the offering period, whichever is lower. This feature allows employees to benefit from any stock price appreciation during the offering period. In conclusion, the South Dakota Employee Stock Purchase Plan is an employee benefit program that provides a way for employees to invest in their company by purchasing company stocks at a discounted price. This plan comes with the potential for tax benefits and can be offered in different variations, including qualified, non-qualified, and look back ESPN.