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Advising a fast-growth start-up of the UK and international Income Tax, capital gains and withholding treatment of shares in a pre-IPO private company

Challenge

Our client was a private company that had grown very quickly. It had a valuation of over $6 billion, and its senior executives wanted to understand the tax treatment of these shares and develop a holding and exercise strategy.

How did we help?

We reviewed the plans and the senior executives’ personal holdings.

As a result, we were able to then advise the senior executives on:

  • when would they be taxed (e.g. exercise)
  • when they would pay the tax (e.g. non ‘readily convertible assets’)
  • what the capital gains positions would be at sale
  • the valuation issues with such a fast-growing company and
  • their specific queries e.g. when should they exercise; should they take out a loan to pay the tax, etc.

We also prepared Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax calculations based on their personal holdings and potential share prices to illustrate their liabilities and net income.

For international executives, we also looked at the impact in their home country and how it aligned with the UK.

Outcome

We provided the executives with a straightforward blueprint that was tailored to their personal circumstances. They knew how much tax they had to pay, when was the best time to exercise and pay the tax, and how to maximise their planning opportunities. They also had total confidence that they were compliant with the complex tax rules.

Would you like to know more?

If you would like to learn more about how we can advise on international stock options, please get in touch with your usual Blick Rothenberg contact or a member of our Global Mobility Team listed on this page.

You can also visit our Globally Remote Working Hub for the latest news and insights.

Contact Mark

Mark Abbs
Mark Abbs
Partner
View Mark's profile