
- Industries
- ESOP
ESOP
Employee Stock Ownership Plan audits, valuations, and consulting
Trout CPA serves as business, tax, and valuation advisors to employee-owned companies across a variety of industries. No matter where you are in the ESOP process; a business owner looking to sell all or part of your business, or a seasoned ESOP company, our professionals are ready to assist. Our long-term relationship with trustees, attorneys, third-party administrators and financial institutions allows us to provide you with access to highly knowledgeable resources.
What is an ESOP?
An ESOP is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Technically, it’s a tax qualified retirement plan. An ESOP’s primary purpose is to invest in the stock of the employing company. By owning shares of the company, employees are encouraged to think and act like shareholders.
What are the benefits of an ESOP?
An ESOP can be an effective exit strategy for owners of closely-held companies. You should weigh the benefits of an ESOP against associated costs and complexities. We can assist you with this analysis.

Tax Services for ESOPs
- State & Local Tax (SALT)
- Sales & Use Tax
- Tax planning and preparation
- Tax resolution
- Industry specific tax deductions and credits
- Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit
- Tax deferred exchanges
- Tax minimization strategies
- Depreciation strategies
- Cost Segregation Studies
- Payroll and Employment Tax
- Estate and Gift Tax planning
- IRS audit assistance
Financial Statement Services for ESOPs
- Financial Statement preparation
- Examinations
- Forecasts and projections
Advisory Services for ESOPs
- Valuation of company shares
- ESOP as an exit strategy
- Feasibility Study
- Business valuation
- Estate planning
- Litigation support
- Succession planning
- Exit planning
- Transaction advisory
- Lease vs. purchase analysis
- Cash flow analysis
- Benchmarking
- Employee Benefit Plan advisory
- Ownership buy-in / buy-out
- Sales & Use Tax consulting
- Financial due diligence
- Income Tax Nexus Studies
- Entity formation and selection
- Entity structure analysis
- Internal Control Studies
- Financing assistance
Business Solutions for ESOPs
- Payroll assessment and administration
- Selection, implementation, and operation of accounting software