Revenue Releases Share Schemes Reporting Return
Revenue eBrief 120/21 was issued on 20 June 2021. It deals with two aspects as follows:
- The new share schemes reporting return (Form ESA), and
- Notification that two new chapters have been added to the Shares Schemes manual.
FORM ESA
Finance Act 2020 provides for the mandatory electronic reporting of certain share-based remuneration. This includes restricted stock units (RSUs), restricted shares, convertible shares, forfeitable shares, discounted shares, and any other award with cash-equivalent of shares. A new electronic form, known as form ESA is now available for download on the Revenue website. It has a format very similar to the existing KEEP1, RSS1 and ESS1 electronic returns. It consists of a pre formatted spreadsheet which can be uploaded through the Revenue Online Service (ROS).What types of rewards must be returned?
The instructions and explanatory notes on the completion and filing of the electronic Form ESA are included in the form. The schemes to be reported include the following:- Restricted Stock Units.
- Discounted, free or matching shares awarded under an Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP).
- Restricted Shares.
- Convertible Securities.
- Forfeitable Shares.
- Phantom Shares, Stock appreciation rights and other cash awards linked to a specified stock.
- Growth, Hurdle or Flowering Shares.
Filing Dates
The electronic Form ESA will apply for the tax year 2020 onwards, with a filing deadline of 31 August 2021 for the 2020 return only. For subsequent years, the reporting date of 31 March following the relevant tax year will apply.SHARES SCHEME MANUAL UPDATED
Two new chapters have been added to the Revenue’s Share Schemes manual as follows:- Growth Shares
- Cash Settled Share Awards