The forfeitures may not go back to the company, as this would constitute an improper reversion of plan assets to the employer (although there may be a minor exception to this rule for certain forfeitures under some terminating plans).
The forfeitures may be applied to reduce the amount of employer contributions to the ESOP; for example, the forfeitures may reduce the amount of a contribution required under a formula, such as a % of compensation or a % of profits, etc. The company's tax deduction, however, would be limited to the net amount contributed.
The forfeited amounts may not be applied to payments on the ESOP loan.
[This message has been edited by RLL (edited 03-29-2000).]