1. What are the tax and nontax factors in choosing between compensating employees by way of a pension plan versus a deferred compensation program?  2. Three purported tax advantages of an ESOP are...

1. What are the tax and nontax factors in choosing between compensating employees by way of a pension plan versus a deferred compensation program?

 2. Three purported tax advantages of an ESOP are that the corporation can make tax-deductible contributions to fund the ESOP or pay down the principal on an ESOP loan, that qualified lenders can exclude from taxation 50% of the interest that they receive on the ESOP loan, and that the dividend paid on the shares held in the ESOP are tax deductible under certain circumstances. Do you agree with these claims?

2. What is an ESOP? Why has Congress encouraged their use over the years?