Utah Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPN) is a popular employee benefit program offered by companies in Utah. It gives employees the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discounted price, typically through regular payroll deductions. ESPN are designed to promote employee ownership and provide financial benefits to employees, fostering a sense of loyalty, motivation, and a long-term commitment to the company's success. The Utah Employee Stock Purchase Plan is generally open to all eligible employees, allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary to purchase company stock. These contributions are usually taxed at a favorable rate, making it an attractive investment option. The stock purchase is often made at a discount from the fair market value, which can range from 5% to 15% below the stock's market price. One of the key benefits of the Utah ESPN is that it allows employees to accumulate company stock over time, often with the option to sell it for a profit in the future. It offers an opportunity for employees to invest in their own company's success and potentially reap financial gains as the stock value grows. Different types of Utah Employee Stock Purchase Plans may include: 1. Qualified ESPN: This is the most common type of ESPN and offers various tax advantages to employees. Contributions are made through payroll deductions, and the stock is usually held for a specific period before it can be sold without tax consequences. 2. Non-Qualified ESPN: This type of ESPN does not offer the same tax advantages as the qualified ESPN. Contributions are still made through payroll deductions, but the stock is taxed as ordinary income at the time of purchase. 3. Look back ESPN: Some ESPN have a provision called a "look back" feature, where the purchase price is based on the stock's price at the beginning or end of the offering period, whichever is lower. This allows employees to purchase stock at a more significant discount if the stock price has increased during the offering period. 4. Offering Periods: ESPN typically have offering periods that can range from six months to two years. During these periods, employees can accumulate funds through payroll deductions to purchase company stock at the designated time. Overall, the Utah Employee Stock Purchase Plan is a valuable employee benefit that enables employees to become company shareholders and potentially benefit from the company's growth and success.