Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) can be one of the most powerful strategies for strengthening your company’s future—whether you’re planning an eventual ownership transition, seeking ways to retain top talent, or looking to build a stronger culture and a more sustainable business model. But ESOPs come with unique accounting, tax, and compliance requirements that require a trusted partner who understands how everything works together.

We help companies navigate the full lifecycle of an ESOP. From early conversations and transaction planning, through annual assurance and tax requirements, our team brings deep, practical experience working with privately held companies across industries that have adopted employee stock ownership.

We understand the ESOP landscape

Barnes Dennig serves a large and growing number of ESOP-owned companies, giving us insight into how employee stock ownership evolves over time—from the initial transaction through ongoing management and annual reporting.

Clients benefit from a team that understands the unique accounting considerations, plan requirements, tax filings, and banking expectations associated with ESOP structures. Barnes Dennig supports companies with coordinated services that reduce complexity and streamline compliance:

• Audits, reviews, and compilations of ESOP-owned companies
• Annual plan audits and IRS filings
• Tax planning and preparation
• Guidance on the financial and compliance impacts of ESOP share value
• Advisory support for companies considering an ESOP transaction or exploring partial vs. full ESOP structures
• Wealth management services (when appropriate)
• Ongoing guidance on financial reporting, debt-related requirements, and accounting questions that arise as the ESOP matures

A collaborative, connected network

ESOPs require coordinated work across many players—attorneys, trustees, lenders, feasibility consultants, and more. Barnes Dennig maintains strong relationships with leading professionals in the ESOP space, giving clients a connected, reliable team around their transaction or ongoing plan needs.

Your ESOP partner for the long term

We offer open, candid conversations to help leaders understand both the opportunities and the considerations that come with an ESOP—so you can make a confident decision about what’s right for your company. Whether you’re just beginning to explore employee stock ownership or already managing a mature ESOP, Barnes Dennig provides the support, insights, and reliable processes you need to stay compliant, meet annual reporting requirements, and prepare for the future.

Let’s talk about what employee stock ownership could mean for your company—and how we can help you get there.