The Washington Employee Stock Purchase Plan (WE SPP) is a program offered by certain companies operating in the state of Washington that allows employees to purchase company stock at a discounted price. This plan is designed to give employees an opportunity to become shareholders in the company they work for, while also providing them with potential financial benefits. Under the Washington Employee Stock Purchase Plan, employees contribute a certain portion of their pre-tax salary to the plan on a regular basis. The accumulated funds are then used to purchase company stock at a predetermined discount, often at a price lower than the market value. This discount can range from 10% to 15% or even more, depending on the specific terms of the plan. Participating in the SPP can be highly advantageous for employees, as it provides them with the potential to benefit from the company's success and value appreciation. By becoming shareholders, employees can take advantage of potential capital gains if the stock price increases over time. Furthermore, dividends may also be paid to employees who hold company stock, further enhancing their potential financial gains. Many companies offer different types of Washington Employee Stock Purchase Plans to their employees. Some common variations include: 1. Qualified WE SPP: This is the most frequently offered type of plan, often granting employees favorable tax treatment. The qualified plan typically adheres to specific regulations outlined by the Internal Revenue Code, providing employees with tax advantages such as favorable capital gains treatment. 2. Non-Qualified WE SPP: Unlike the qualified plan, a non-qualified WE SPP does not meet the Internal Revenue Code's requirements for preferential tax treatment. However, it still allows employees to purchase company stock at a discounted price, but any gains upon selling the stock are taxed as ordinary income rather than at the lower capital gains rate. 3. Offering Period: The SPP typically operates on a specific offering period, which usually lasts for six months. During this period, employees can choose to contribute a certain percentage of their salary to the plan. At the end of the offering period, the accumulated funds are used to purchase stock at the discounted price, providing employees with an ownership stake in the company. 4. Look back Provision: Some companies offer a look back provision in their WE SPP, which allows employees to purchase company stock at the lowest of either the market price at the beginning of the offering period or at the end of the period. This provision can be advantageous if the stock price appreciates significantly during the offering period, enabling employees to lock in the lower price and potentially gain more from any subsequent increases. The Washington Employee Stock Purchase Plan is an attractive benefit for employees, as it provides them with an opportunity to invest in their employer's company and potentially reap financial rewards. These plans not only foster employee loyalty but also align the interests of employees with the company's success. Employees should carefully review the terms and conditions of the SPP to fully understand the potential risks and benefits before deciding to participate.