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Cross-Border ESOPs in India: Unresolved Taxation Gap Silently Costing Mobile Professionals

Income Tax : The article highlights that Indian tax law lacks a statutory formula for allocating cross-border ESOP income, increasing the risk ...

June 24, 2026 285 Views 0 comment Print

ESOP Buyback in Unlisted Companies: Two-Tax Problem Employees Aren’t Prepared For

Income Tax : The article explains how ESOP taxation in unlisted companies occurs at both exercise and buyback stages. It highlights perquisite ...

June 22, 2026 1563 Views 0 comment Print

Making ESOPs Work for Startup Employees: A Practical Guide (2025-26)

Corporate Law : ESOPs can create significant wealth, but many employees struggle with taxation, limited liquidity, and unrealistic expectations. T...

June 19, 2026 462 Views 3 comments Print

Don’t Blindly Trust Form 16: One Small Error Can Trigger a Huge Tax Demand

Income Tax : The case demonstrates how an incorrect exemption claim based on Form 16 led to scrutiny and penalty proceedings. The Tribunal ulti...

June 15, 2026 2574 Views 0 comment Print

ESOPs in Private Companies: Legal, Taxation and Accounting

Company Law : Overview of ESOPs in private companies covering legal requirements, pool structuring, accounting treatment, employee taxation, and...

June 13, 2026 894 Views 0 comment Print


Latest News


Budget 2024: Amendment to Section 47 on Capital Asset Transfers

Income Tax : From April 1, 2025, Section 47 will exclude transfers of capital assets under gifts or wills from capital gains tax, with specific...

July 24, 2024 3600 Views 0 comment Print

Register for Live Webinar: Advance insights into Share based Payments Taxation

Income Tax : Delve into complex tax implications of ESOPs, Sweat Equity, CSOPs, Phantom Shares, and Stock Appreciation Rights in our live webin...

January 17, 2024 4787 Views 1 comment Print

Tax on ESOPs should be only at the point of sale of shares by employees

Income Tax : The section states that ESOPs issued free of cost or at concessional rates will be taxed on the date of exercise on the differenc...

January 24, 2018 2799 Views 0 comment Print


Latest Judiciary


ESOP Deduction to Be Computed on Straight-Line Basis: ITAT Delhi

Income Tax : ITAT held that computer software is eligible for 60% depreciation and directed the AO only to verify its actual cost before comput...

June 30, 2026 162 Views 0 comment Print

ESOP Discount Allowed as Karnataka HC Precedent Covered Issue: ITAT Mumbai

Income Tax : ITAT Mumbai allowed deduction of ESOP expenses under Section 37(1) by following Karnataka High Court's ruling in Biocon Ltd. Tribu...

June 25, 2026 150 Views 0 comment Print

SC Dismisses Revenue Appeal as ESOP Allotment Expense Is Allowable

Income Tax : The Supreme Court ruled that requiring employers to purchase shares from the market instead of issuing ESOP shares ignores commerc...

June 24, 2026 336 Views 0 comment Print

Delhi HC Rejects ESOP Disallowance as Share Allotment Reflects Commercial Reality

Income Tax : The Delhi High Court held that ESOP expenditure cannot be disallowed merely because shares were allotted instead of purchased from...

June 24, 2026 159 Views 0 comment Print

ESOP Discount Is Allowable Business Expenditure Despite Pending SLP: ITAT Mumbai

Income Tax : The ITAT Mumbai held that ESOP discount is an allowable deduction under Section 37(1), observing that the pendency of an SLP again...

June 22, 2026 246 Views 0 comment Print


Latest Notifications


SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2025

SEBI : New SEBI amendment mandates valuation of employee share benefit schemes only by independent registered valuers, phasing out mercha...

December 3, 2025 2313 Views 0 comment Print

GST on ESOP/ESPP/RSU provided through overseas holding company

Goods and Services Tax : CGST Circular 213/07/2024 clarifies GST applicability on ESOP/ESPP/RSU provided by foreign holding companies to Indian subsidiarie...

June 26, 2024 2511 Views 0 comment Print

MCA Imposes Penalty for Non-Disclosure of ESOP in Explanatory Statement

Company Law : The Ministry of Corporate Affairs penalizes WURKNET PRIVATE LIMITED for violating Companies Act, 2013 by not disclosing ESOP detai...

November 17, 2023 3432 Views 0 comment Print

Penalty imposed for not taking approval of shareholders for ESOP exceeding 1% of issued capital

Company Law : Company at its Board Meeting convened on 05.04.2021 unanimously accorded its approval for grant of 327 options under the Scheme to...

March 9, 2023 6630 Views 2 comments Print

ESOP can be granted by company to Doctors exclusively employed with subsidiary

SEBI : Q. Upon listing of the Company, will it be permissible, as per the SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations, for stock options to be granted...

October 19, 2022 5241 Views 0 comment Print


Demystifying Valuation and Measurement of Share-Based Payment Transactions (SBT) and ESOPs

September 12, 2023 1158 Views 0 comment Print

Share-Based Payment Transactions (SBT) have become an integral part of modern business practices. These transactions occur when an entity settles payments by issuing equity instruments, such as shares or share options, instead of traditional cash.

Taxability of ESOP, ESPP and RSU received from Indian or Foreign Company under Income tax Act, 1961

August 11, 2023 42243 Views 0 comment Print

Explore the tax implications of Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOP), Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP), and Restricted Stock Units (RSU) received from Indian or foreign companies under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Understand the treatment, valuation, and disclosure requirements for unlisted shares in the context of taxation. Stay informed to ensure accurate filing of income tax returns and compliance with regulatory obligations.

What are ESOPs and why a Company should roll out ESOPs in its Company

June 30, 2023 2019 Views 0 comment Print

 Understand what Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) are and why a company, especially startups, should implement them. Learn about the advantages and vesting schedules. For ESOP advisory, contact Saras Juris Law.

An In-depth Look at Sweat Equity Shares Under Companies Act, 2013

June 7, 2023 3837 Views 0 comment Print

his article provides a comprehensive understanding of sweat equity shares, as defined by the Companies Act, 2013, in India. It covers key aspects such as the definition, approval process, valuation, disclosure requirements, restrictions, and tax implications.I. Introduction to Sweat Equity Shares In the realm of corporate finance, sweat equity shares hold a special place. As per the Companies Act, 2013, they represent a type of equity share that a company issues to its directors or employees in recognition of their contributions, skills, or efforts, which often go beyond monetary transactions. II. Defining Sweat Equity Shares Sweat equity shares are those equity shares issued by a company to its directors or employees either at a discount or for considerations other than cash. These shares are often awarded based on the intellectual property rights, technical knowledge, or any form of value addition that the recipient has brought to the company. III. Approval Process for Issuing Sweat Equity Shares The issuance of sweat equity shares isn’t a straightforward process; it requires the approval of the company’s shareholders through a special resolution passed in a general meeting. This resolution should distinctly outline the total number of sweat equity shares to be issued, the category of directors or employees eligible to receive them, the consideration for the shares, and the timeframe within which the shares should be issued. IV. Valuation of Sweat Equity Shares When it comes to sweat equity shares, their valuation is crucial. This must be carried out by a registered valuer who assesses the fair market value of the shares. It’s critical to obtain the valuation report prior to the issuance of the sweat equity shares. V. Lock-in Period and Transferability of Shares Sweat equity shares are subjected to a lock-in period of three years from the date of their allotment. During this period, these shares cannot be transferred or sold by the recipients, ensuring that the awarded individuals remain committed to the company. VI. Disclosure Requirements Transparency is a significant part of the sweat equity shares issuance process. The company is required to disclose the details of the issued sweat equity shares in its annual financial statements. These details encompass the class of directors or employees who received them, the number of shares issued, the rationale for issuing them, and the valuation report. VII. Restrictions and Limitations on Issuing Sweat Equity Shares The Companies Act places certain restrictions and limitations on the issuance of sweat equity shares. For example, a company cannot issue sweat equity shares exceeding 15% of its paid-up share capital in a year, or shares of a value exceeding 25 lakh rupees in any financial year. VIII. Tax Implications of Sweat Equity Shares The issuance of sweat equity shares can carry potential tax implications for both the issuing company and the recipients. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with tax professionals or experts to comprehend these tax implications and comply with the applicable tax laws. In conclusion, issuing sweat equity shares necessitates strict adherence to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and relevant rules or regulations. Companies should ensure that the issue of these shares is done in accordance with the prescribed procedures, approvals, and disclosure requirements, thereby ensuring legal compliance and transparency.

TDS On ESOP Prerequisite By Eligible Start-Ups

May 29, 2023 9786 Views 0 comment Print

Article explores Section 192(1C) of Income-tax Act, which permits eligible start-ups to deduct or pay tax on ESOP perquisite within 14 days of specified events. Criteria for being an ‘eligible start-up’ and benefits associated with this provision will be discussed.

Expenditure towards ESOP is allowable deduction u/s 37

May 24, 2023 1941 Views 0 comment Print

ITAT Bangalore held that expenditure towards Employees Stock Option Plan (ESOP) is allowable deduction u/s 37 of the Income Tax Act.

Understanding ESOPs: Key Terminology & Tax Implications

May 24, 2023 2700 Views 0 comment Print

Explore key ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) terminology and tax implications. Understand grant dates, vesting periods, exercise prices, and taxation triggers. Make informed decisions on ESOPs for financial growth.

Sweat Equity And How To Issue Sweat Equity Shares

May 16, 2023 19869 Views 0 comment Print

Learn about Sweat Equity Shares and the process of issuing them. Explore limits, valuation procedures, and steps to issue shares under the GST Act. Discover tax implications and compliance details. Make informed decisions on this unique form of share issuance.

What is ESOP and Complete Guidelines to Issue ESOP

May 3, 2023 7986 Views 0 comment Print

Employee stock option plan ESOP is a contractual agreement that offers employees the right, but not the responsibility, to purchase or subscribe to a defined number of firm shares at a fixed price, such as the exercise price. There is no change in the exercise price if once decided even if future market prices increase.

ESOP Adoption Stories In India and Other Countries

May 3, 2023 1599 Views 0 comment Print

ESOP or Employee Stock Ownership Plan is a non-monetary incentive wherein employees are made avail of choice regarding the shares of the employers.

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