Company Law : Understand why independent directors are prohibited from receiving ESOPs under Indian law, while profit-based commissions are perm...
Company Law : Independent Directors cannot acquire sweat equity shares or ESOPs due to restrictions under the Companies Act and SEBI regulations...
Income Tax : Learn about Employee Stock Option Schemes (ESOPs), their lifecycle, SEBI regulations, and tax calculations under the Finance Act 2...
Income Tax : Understand the taxation on ESOPs, including when options are exercised and shares are sold, and related TDS provisions for employe...
Corporate Law : Explore the differences between the ESOP Trust route and Direct route for employee stock options, including advantages and disadva...
Income Tax : From April 1, 2025, Section 47 will exclude transfers of capital assets under gifts or wills from capital gains tax, with specific...
Income Tax : Delve into complex tax implications of ESOPs, Sweat Equity, CSOPs, Phantom Shares, and Stock Appreciation Rights in our live webin...
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...
Income Tax : ITAT Mumbai held that the Employee Stock Option Plans [ESOP] expenses should not be regarded contingent or notional and it should ...
Income Tax : The Karnataka High Court, upholding the ITAT's order, reiterated that discounts on the issuance of ESOPs are allowable deductions ...
Income Tax : Madras High Court held that compensation paid to ESOP holders qualifies as perquisite and hence taxable under the head ‘salaryâ€...
Income Tax : Tribunal upholds CIT(A) decisions in DCIT Vs Astral Limited case, offering key insights on TP adjustments, ESOP expenses, and Sect...
Income Tax : In the case of Sanjay Baweja Vs DCIT, the Delhi High Court ruled that one-time payments in lieu of ESOPs do not constitute salary ...
Goods and Services Tax : CGST Circular 213/07/2024 clarifies GST applicability on ESOP/ESPP/RSU provided by foreign holding companies to Indian subsidiarie...
Company Law : The Ministry of Corporate Affairs penalizes WURKNET PRIVATE LIMITED for violating Companies Act, 2013 by not disclosing ESOP detai...
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...
SEBI : Q. Upon listing of the Company, will it be permissible, as per the SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations, for stock options to be granted...
SEBI : As per Regulation 9(2) of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 (SBEB Regulations) Â the company may permit t...
Learn how to draft a special resolution for amending your company’s Employee Stock Option Scheme (ESOP) in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
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.
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.
 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.
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.
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.
ITAT Bangalore held that expenditure towards Employees Stock Option Plan (ESOP) is allowable deduction u/s 37 of the Income Tax Act.
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.
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.
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.
