Growth & Advisory

EMI share schemes

Enterprise Management Incentive options designed, valued with HMRC and administered properly.

Regulated and qualified through ICAEW, ACCA and AAT memberships held across our team

What this means for your company

Enterprise Management Incentive options designed, valued with HMRC and administered properly. We work with technology, SaaS, e-commerce, marketplace and online businesses trading as UK limited companies, from first-year micro-entities in Croydon and Morden to funded teams in central London, with a fixed scope and fee agreed before anything starts.

01

Scheme design, vesting and leaver terms

02

HMRC valuation agreement for the option price

03

Option agreements and board documentation

04

Notification within 90 days and annual ERS returns

What the service covers

Enterprise Management Incentive options designed, valued with HMRC and administered properly.

• Scheme design, vesting and leaver terms

• HMRC valuation agreement for the option price

• Option agreements and board documentation

• Notification within 90 days and annual ERS returns

The rules that shape this work

EMI is available to trading companies with gross assets of £30m or less and fewer than 250 full-time equivalent employees, with up to £250,000 of options per employee and £3m across the scheme. Granted at market value, there is no income tax on exercise and gains fall under capital gains tax, potentially with Business Asset Disposal Relief.

Options must be notified to HMRC within 90 days of grant, and an annual employment-related securities return is due by 6 July each year. Missing the notification window removes the tax advantages, which is the most common and most expensive mistake we see.

Thresholds, rates and deadlines quoted here reflect the 2026/27 UK position. Check current GOV.UK guidance, or ask us, before you rely on them for your own company.

How we run it

We start by looking at the last filed accounts, your current records and your filing dates, then confirm a fixed scope and fee in writing.

Once the work is live you get reminders ahead of each deadline, a named person to ask questions, and a plain-English summary when the figures are ready, not a PDF with no explanation.

Frequently asked

EMI share schemes: questions directors ask

What does an EMI option actually cost the company?

Nothing at grant. On exercise the company usually gets a corporation tax deduction for the difference between market value and the exercise price, which is often a significant relief in an exit year.

Can we give options to contractors or advisers?

Not under EMI, which requires at least 25 hours a week or 75% of working time as an employee or director. Unapproved options or growth shares are the usual alternatives.

What records are needed for emi share schemes?

Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.

How much does help with emi share schemes cost?

The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.

Can you take over emi share schemes from another accountant?

Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.

Can emi share schemes be handled online?

Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.

Which accounting software works best for emi share schemes?

We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.

What tax deadlines matter for emi share schemes?

The relevant calendar may include annual accounts, Corporation Tax payment and return dates, confirmation statements, VAT returns, payroll submissions and Self Assessment. We map the dates from your company year end and registrations.

Can I get free basic tax advice about emi share schemes?

Yes. You can ask a straightforward initial question without charge. Calculations, filings, written advice, planning and HMRC correspondence are scoped and quoted before work begins.

Google reviews

What Our Clients Say

Rated 4.9 out of 5From 302 Google reviews
Accotax have been our accountants for many years now. We maintained them because of their professionalism. In the last couple of years I have been working with Imran, who has been very professional and helpful in guiding us through the whole process, explaining and clarifying every aspect of it. Very prompt in responding to questions and patient with us even when we seem to be slow.
Mansur Liman · Long-standing company client
We worked with a few different accountants before finally settling with Accotax, and we're really glad we did. They take the time to understand how our business works and what our needs are. Anum, who looks after our account on a day-to-day basis, including reconciling invoices and preparing the annual accounts, is amazing, professional, efficient, and follows the processes we have put in place together. Accotax has made our accounting experience much smoother and easier. We see them as a long-term partner as our business continues to grow. I would 100% recommend them.
Mael Leboucher · Year end accounts & bookkeeping
I've been working with Accotax since January 2024, and their support has grown alongside my business needs. My personal allocated manager, Umer, provides tailored services for both of my companies, adapting as I expand and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They are responsive, knowledgeable, and always clear in their communication. Their help with accounts, VAT, payrolls, pensions and compliance gives me real confidence and peace of mind.
Зайтуна «Анонимная татарка» Manning · Two limited companies, VAT, payroll & pensions
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Free UK tax calculators built on 2026/27 rates for limited company directors.

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Limited company accountants in London, Morden, Croydon and across the UK.

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Appointments run Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.

Four London offices

Meet us in Morden, Croydon, Chelsea or Mitcham

Work with us entirely online, or sit down with your accountant at whichever office suits you. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Office visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming in.

Morden, Surrey12 London Road, Morden, SM4 5BQHead office, two minutes from Morden Underground station.DirectionsRead ACCOTAX Google reviews
Croydon73 Park Lane, Croydon, CR0 1JGCentral Croydon, minutes from East Croydon station.DirectionsRead Croydon Google reviews
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Mitcham141 Morden Road, CR4 4DGServing Mitcham, Tooting and the CR4 postcodes.DirectionsRead Mitcham Google reviews

Free, no obligation

Book a call

Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.

Appointments run monday to friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.

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