UK Share Scheme Filing Deadlines and Tax Advantages

Firstly, what are these approved share schemes? Let’s break them down:

1. Share Incentive Plans (SIPs): SIPs allow employees to acquire shares in their employing company. The shares are usually held in a special trust and can offer significant tax and National Insurance contribution benefits if the shares are held in the plan for a certain period.

2. Save As You Earn (SAYE) schemes: SAYE schemes, also known as Sharesave, allow employees to save between £5 and £500 per month over a set period (3, 5, or 7 years). At the end of the saving period, employees have the option to use their savings to buy shares in their company at a discount, or take the cash. You can read our full post on SAYE here.

3. Company Share Option Plans (CSOPs): CSOPs offer employees the opportunity to acquire shares at a fixed price. The real advantage comes if the company’s share price rises above that fixed price, as the difference is not subject to Income Tax or National Insurance.

4. Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) schemes: EMI schemes are particularly suited for small, higher-risk companies. They offer selected employees the chance to acquire shares in the company. The tax advantages can be significant, especially if the company grows in value.