Iowa Launches Programs to Encourage ESOPs

The Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad (R) announced on November 12 that a public-private partnership would host a series of five meetings around the state in November and December, designed to inform business owners about the advantages and incentives supporting ESOPs. In recent years, Iowa has passed a 50% state-level capital gains deduction for qualified ESOP sales and a program to provide state financial support for ESOP feasibility assessment. Gov. Branstad says, "ESOPs are more than just an employee benefit plan, they are a transition plan for business owners and a growth strategy for communities."