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  • Income Tax on EMI Share Options Exercised Below Market Value

    Hi, I'm completing my self-assessment tax return and looking to fill out information on EMI (Enterprise Management Incentive) share options. Here's my situation: - The EMI options were granted by my previous employer. - I exercised the options during the 2023/24 tax year. - The exercise price was below the market value of the shares at the time of exercise. - The options were exercised within 4 years of the grant date. - I’m still holding the shares and have not sold them yet. I’ve read conflicting information online about whether I need to pay Income Tax and National Insurance on the difference between the exercise price and the market value at the time of exercise. The government website suggests that "If you buy the shares within 10 years of being offered them, you will not pay Income Tax or National Insurance on the difference.", while others just imply that tax is payable if the exercise price is below market value. Could someone clarify: - Whether I owe Income Tax or NIC on the difference at exercise? - If so, how this should be reported on my self-assessment tax return? Any guidance or resources would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance for your help.