Share Ownership for Employees EMI

Retaining and motivating staff are key issues for many employers. Research in the UK and USA has shown a clear link between employee share ownership and increases in productivity. The government has therefore introduced a variety of ways in which an employer can provide mechanisms for employees to obtain shares in the employer company without necessarily suffering a large tax bill.

Provided the company meets the qualifying conditions, EMI can be one of the most tax efficient and flexible means available. EMI allows selected employees (often key to the employer) to be given the opportunity to acquire a significant number of shares in their employer through the issue of options. Whilst an EMI can offer significant tax advantages, the key driver for any incentive arrangement should be the commercial objectives of the business. This factsheet outlines the rules for EMI.

Download the full factsheet here.