Which qualified plan can an S corporation implement?

An S corporation can implement an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) because it aligns with the structure and taxation provisions that apply to S corporations. ESOPs provide a method for employees to acquire ownership interest in the company, which fits well within the framework of an S corporation as it allows the firm to profit from tax-deductible contributions while also aligning employees' interests with those of shareholders.

Additionally, S corporations benefit from the ability to offer ESOPs since they can be a significant incentive for employee retention and motivation, enhancing overall productivity while also creating a market for employee ownership that can lead to tax advantages for both the company and its workers.

On the other hand, while both defined benefit and money purchase pension plans are valid types of qualified retirement plans, they can be more complex and administratively burdensome for S corporations to maintain, particularly because these plans can lead to issues of nondiscrimination and may not align with the ownership structure of owners who do not actively draw from these benefits in the same way employees would. A Social Security plan is not a qualified plan that can be implemented by an S corporation; rather, it is a government program that provides benefits based on contributions made through payroll taxes.