ERSM300020 - Tax-advantaged schemes: Types of scheme

Company Share Option Plan (CSOP)

  • Provision by means of options over shares
  • Discretionary
  • Options must be granted at or above market value
  • Maximum market value on grant £30,000
  • Full tax relief on gain if exercised in accordance with legislation
  • Tax relief for “good leavers” within 6 months of cessation

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Savings Related Share Option Scheme (SAYE)

  • Provision by means of options over shares
  • Options can be granted at a discount to market value (maximum 20%)
  • Linkage to savings contract with deductions from salary (maximum £250 per month)
  • No risk - choice to exercise option or tax free interest on savings
  • Choice of savings contracts
  • All qualifying employees must be invited to participate
  • Full tax relief on gain if exercised in accordance with legislation
  • Tax relief for “good leavers” within 6 months of cessation

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Share Incentive Plan (SIP)

  • Four types of plan shares can be offered
  • Shares awarded to or acquired for participants are held in a trust
  • Maximum of £3,000 per year of free shares
  • Can purchase shares to a maximum of £1,500 per year from gross pay
  • Shares that are purchased can be matched by an award of shares from the company
  • Dividends from plan shares can be reinvested up to £1500 per year
  • Full income tax relief if shares held in trust for 5 years (3 years for dividend shares)
  • Full relief for CGT if shares held in the plan until disposal
  • All qualifying employees must be invited to participate

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Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI)

  • No approval process for scheme
  • Provision by means of options over shares
  • Maximum market value on grant £120,000 (£100,000 prior to 6/4/2008) (including any CSOP grant)
  • Normally full tax relief available on exercise of option