Initial eligibility review
Review of company activities, group structure, size, share arrangements and proposed employee participation against the relevant conditions.
Overview
A coordinated process across tax, valuation, payroll and legal documents
An EMI scheme can be a powerful employee incentive, but the tax outcome depends on eligibility, valuation, option terms, notifications and ongoing compliance. The company also needs a clear record of grants, exercises and any changes that may affect qualification.
CBM Accounting manages the accounting and tax work while coordinating with the company's legal advisers. We review the proposed structure, support the share valuation process, help manage HMRC submissions and maintain the information needed for annual reporting and future transactions.
How we help
What our EMI Share Option Schemes service covers
Choose a focused assignment or combine the areas you need into one coordinated service.
Scheme design support
Tax input on the proposed commercial terms, vesting approach and option structure in coordination with legal documentation.
Share valuation
Preparation of valuation analysis and support with the appropriate HMRC valuation submission process.
Grant coordination
Practical timetable for valuation, approvals, legal documents, employee communication and option grants.
HMRC notifications
Support with required scheme registrations, grant notifications and related evidence within the applicable process.
Annual reporting
Maintenance and submission support for annual employee share scheme reporting obligations.
Accounting and payroll
Advice on accounting entries, disclosures and payroll considerations arising from grants, exercises or disqualifying events.
Exercise and exit support
Tax calculations and reporting support when options are exercised, shares are sold or the company enters a transaction.
Who it is for
Designed for organisations and people who need reliable support
- Independent trading companies recruiting senior employees
- Founder-led businesses planning an employee incentive pool
- Growth companies preparing for investment or exit
- Companies replacing informal equity promises with documented options
- Businesses reviewing an existing EMI scheme before a transaction
What you receive
Clear outputs, not scattered information
- Eligibility and issue summary
- Valuation working papers and submission support
- Implementation timetable shared with legal advisers
- Grant and reporting compliance records
- Exercise or transaction tax calculations where agreed
Important scope note: EMI schemes require coordinated legal and tax advice. CBM Accounting provides accounting, tax and valuation support and works with appropriately appointed legal advisers for scheme documents.
Our process
A controlled route from information to action
Responsibilities, review points and approvals are clear from the start.
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01
Assess
We review the company, proposed participants, shares, commercial objectives and expected transaction timetable.
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02
Value and design
Valuation and tax analysis are developed while legal advisers prepare the scheme documents.
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03
Implement
Approvals, HMRC steps, grants and employee information are coordinated in the correct sequence.
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04
Maintain
Annual reporting, changes, exercises and transaction events are tracked through an ongoing compliance record.
Why CBM Accounting
Professional advice, delivered in a practical way
Joined-up expertise
Accounting, tax, payroll and compliance work can be coordinated through one team rather than handled in isolation.
Clear communication
You receive concise information requests, visible action points and explanations that support a decision.
Controlled delivery
Agreed timetables, review procedures and approval stages reduce deadline pressure and avoidable errors.
Support that develops
The service can expand from routine compliance to reporting and advisory support as your needs become more complex.
Frequently asked questions
Questions clients often ask
Every situation is different. These answers provide a practical starting point, and we confirm the position after reviewing the facts.
Ask our team a questionWhat is an EMI share option?
It is a tax-advantaged employee share option available to qualifying companies and employees. The company grants a right to acquire shares in the future under agreed conditions, subject to the scheme and tax rules.
Does every small company qualify for EMI?
No. Qualification depends on the company's activities, independence, size, gross assets, employee numbers and other conditions. Employees and option terms must also satisfy requirements.
Why is an HMRC share valuation important?
The market value agreed or supported at grant can affect the tax treatment when options are exercised. A robust valuation also supports board decisions, employee communication and future due diligence.
Do we still need a solicitor?
Yes. EMI options require legal documents and corporate approvals. We provide tax, valuation, accounting and reporting support and coordinate with your chosen legal adviser.
What happens if the company or employee circumstances change?
Certain changes can affect EMI qualification or create a disqualifying event. Early review is important so the tax, payroll and option consequences can be managed.
Speak with an adviser
Make the next financial decision clearer.
Tell us what you need, what is due and where the current process is causing difficulty. Our UK team will explain the most practical next step.