PIUs with separate holding company

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PIUs with separate holding company

A type of PIU that is held in a separate holding company to maintain a recipient’s employee status and minimize tax impacts that may result from becoming a partner.

Typically issued to: Rank-and-file employees and managers

Plan highlights

Share of future profits

Share of future profits

The company’s threshold value is set at the time of the grant; profits above that threshold value are shared with recipient

Free for recipients

Free for recipients

Employees can benefit from your company’s growth without paying to acquire this equity

Payout protection

Payout protection

Existing owners retain their share of current LLC value; all payouts to new shareholders come from future growth

Maintains employee status

Maintains employee status

Holders can continue to receive W-2 forms and employee benefits

Tax Icon

Tax-advantaged

Taxed at long-term capital gains rates and only when cashed out, if handled correctly

Common variations

Profits interest units (PIUs)

The most common equity type for LLCs, profits interest units (PIUs) are a good way to incentivize employees to help grow the company.

 

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PIUs with catch-up provision

Profits interest units with a catch-up provision have greater economic value compared to regular PIUs and may help attract key hires.

 

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What are PIUs with a separate holding company?

Under current tax law, when a W-2 employee of an LLC is issued equity in their employer, that employee becomes a “partner” for tax purposes (assuming that the LLC is taxed as a partnership and not a corporation). Although this individual will continue to be treated as an “employee” for non-tax purposes (e.g., for labor law purposes, etc.), the IRS has long taken the position that a direct member of an LLC cannot be reported as an “employee” for tax purposes. This can mean they will lose certain benefits previously provided by the company when they were an employee, including employer contributions to certain medical, and welfare benefits, eligibility for certain retirement and welfare benefits, and the employer payment of a portion of FICA taxes (i.e., Social Security and Medicare under the Federal Insurance Contribution Act).

To continue treating an individual as an “employee” for tax and benefits purposes, many companies create a separate entity that holds the profits interests (let’s call it “EmployCo”). Under this arrangement, an employee can typically maintain their status as an employee of the company while, at the same time, holding equity in EmployCo (which is economically tied to the profits interests of the company). There are different ways of structuring such plans, and companies should consult with attorneys.

It should be noted that, as of the date of this article, the IRS has invited comments on the tax consequences of structures that rely on an EmployCo, the viability of which may be limited once the IRS issues further guidance.

From the employee’s perspective, there is no change to their eligibility or costs for benefits, they can share in the appreciation of the company if there is a change of control transaction, and such appreciation will benefit from the capital gains tax treatment if applicable requirements are met.

However, there is an additional administrative burden and cost to the company because it has to establish a new entity and prepare the corresponding annual filings. Companies should discuss their proposed holding company structure with tax counsel to determine whether the employee’s benefit outweighs this additional burden and costs.

Main advantages

Recipients retain employee status

Unlike regular PIUs, which require the recipient to become a direct member of the LLC, this version of PIUs allows recipients to remain employees and continue to receive employee benefits.

Recipients retain tax advantages and simplicity

Profits can be taxed at a long-term capital gains rate, (if applicable requirements are met) and the employee can continue to receive a W-2 for their regular salary and wages.

Employees don’t have to pay

There’s no payment needed by recipients to acquire the profits interest—it is granted by the LLC and entitles the recipient to benefit from the future growth of the company.

Payout protection for existing owners

In the event of a payout, as in a sale or change of control of the company, members do not get a share of the value that was created by previous recipients.

Incentives aligned among employees, company

Because profits interests only provide the holder a slice of equity that they directly helped create, recipients are incentivized to do their best work, stick around longer, and contribute more, since they’re going to want to create as much value as possible to increase the value of the company and, as a result, their equity.

Considerations

Extra burden and cost to the company

The company must create and maintain an additional entity, devoting time and legal costs.

The IRS may issue rulings in the future that make this a less viable option. As with all equity programs, it’s important to discuss this with a tax lawyer that specializes in this subject.

Tax treatment

For the company:

Similar to regular PIUs, the company can’t deduct from its taxes the amount paid to the recipient as a compensation expense, although at the time of exit or other distribution on the PIUs, the PIU holder’s share of proceeds are directly taxable to that holder, thus providing an “effective” tax deduction to the other members.

For employees:

Like regular PIUs, the recipient is not taxed at the time of the grant (and the recipient will typically file an 83(b) election with the IRS on a protective basis upon receipt). If and when there is a payout, and the employee has held the PIU for the required holding periods, the profits can be taxed at a long-term capital gains rate.

DISCLAIMER: This publication contains general information only and Carta is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business or interests, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. This communication is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Carta does not assume any liability for reliance on the information provided herein.

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