Accounting Entry for ESOP given by Holding company to Employee of Subsidiary

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Meghna (Querist)
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05 May 2021 What would be the Accounting entry in Standalone books of Subsidiary in case of USA based holding company gives ESOP to the employee of it's wholly owned indian subsidiary Or what would be impact in Consolidated Financial Statement .

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma

(Expert)
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06 July 2024 In the scenario where a USA-based holding company grants Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) to employees of its wholly-owned Indian subsidiary, the accounting treatment can vary based on whether the ESOP is treated as equity-settled or cash-settled. Here’s how it typically works:

### Standalone Books of Indian Subsidiary:

1. **Equity-Settled ESOPs:**
- **Grant Date:**
- Debit Employee Compensation Expense (P&L Account)
- Credit Equity-Settled ESOP Reserve (Balance Sheet - Equity)

- **Vesting Period (if applicable):**
- No additional accounting entries until vesting conditions are met.

- **Exercise (when options are exercised by employees):**
- Debit Equity-Settled ESOP Reserve (Balance Sheet - Equity)
- Credit Share Capital (if shares are issued)
- Credit Employee Compensation Expense (if not previously expensed)

- **Forfeiture (if options are forfeited):**
- Reverse the initial entry made on the grant date.

2. **Cash-Settled ESOPs:**
- **Recognition Period:**
- Debit Employee Compensation Expense (P&L Account)
- Credit Liability for Cash-Settled ESOPs (Balance Sheet - Liability)

- **Settlement (when cash is paid out):**
- Debit Liability for Cash-Settled ESOPs (Balance Sheet - Liability)
- Credit Bank Account (or Cash)

### Impact in Consolidated Financial Statements:

In the consolidated financial statements of the USA-based holding company, the treatment will depend on the type of ESOP and the ownership structure:

1. **Equity-Settled ESOPs:**
- The holding company will consolidate the financial statements of its subsidiary, including the equity-settled ESOP reserve and any related expenses in its consolidated income statement.
- The equity-settled ESOP reserve will appear as part of the equity section in the consolidated balance sheet.

2. **Cash-Settled ESOPs:**
- Similar to equity-settled ESOPs, the holding company will recognize expenses related to cash-settled ESOPs in its consolidated income statement.
- The liability for cash-settled ESOPs will appear in the liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet.

### Considerations:

- **Accounting Standards:** Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (e.g., IFRS or US GAAP) for the treatment of ESOPs.
- **Tax Implications:** Consult with tax advisors to understand the tax implications for both the subsidiary and the holding company.
- **Disclosure:** Proper disclosure of ESOPs and their impact on financial statements is crucial for transparency and compliance.