Phantom stock plan tax consequences
A Phantom Stock Plan is an arrangement under which deferred amounts are determined by a reference to hypothetical “phantom” shares of the employer’s stock without ever issuing the actual shares to the employee. Depending on the terms of the arrangement, the employee may be entitled to receive only the growth in the value of the stock A phantom stock plan, or 'shadow stock' is a form of compensation offered to upper management that confers the benefits of owning company stock without the actual ownership or transfer of any shares. By simulating stock ownership, equity does not become diluted for other shareholders.