ETASSUM38070 - Schedule 3 SAYE option schemes: Taxation: Release, surrender, cancellation of share options - General

The tax advantages of Schedule 3 SAYE option schemes are only concerned with removing tax obstacles which may discourage employees and directors from acquiring shares.

Section 476 liability on share option gains resulting from situations in which shares are not acquired (i.e. gains realised other than by acquiring the shares), applies whether the options are tax advantaged on non-tax advantaged.

Income tax liability under Section 476 arises on share option gains realised by the assignment and release of share options, receipt of benefits as well as by their exercise. Sections 478 & 479 explain how the amount of a share option gain is calculated resulting from these other chargeable events (ETASSUM38050).