UK Employee Incentives Update | May 2026
Published on 13th May 2026
In this edition, we focus on the upcoming 6 July employment-related securities returns deadline and some employee tax developments in Europe.
Employment-related securities returns | 6 July deadline approaching
The deadline for submitting employment-related securities annual returns and EMI notifications to HMRC for the tax year ending 5 April 2026 is on or before 6 July 2026.
Companies operating employment-related securities arrangements are reminded to diarise this important date (and ensure that any new schemes are registered promptly so that returns and notifications can be made before the deadline).
EMI options | welcome expansion of regime
Recent increases in a number of the EMI company limits have opened this valuable tax-advantaged share option scheme to a much wider range of companies.
Companies that previously exceeded the EMI thresholds can now reassess whether they may now be eligible. This should include careful analysis of all other qualifying tests relating to the company, the employees and terms of the option documentation.
Italy | From green light to red light: no more combination of 'new impatriate regime' and 'neo resident regime' from 2027
An important change to Italy's inbound tax incentives for individuals will be relevant to proposed relocations of executives.
Belgium | How are new Belgian tax measures in force since the start of 2026 affecting companies?
A range of employee tax measures are already in force in Belgium for the 2026 financial year, including an increased expat allowance cap, with further reforms to follow.
Germany | Federal Court of Justice confirms PE and VC equity incentive structures with boundaries for vesting provisions
A recent Federal Court of Justice decision is directly relevant to those structuring or investing in management incentive plans or employee incentive plans in Germany.
Please get in touch with your usual Osborne Clarke contact or one of the experts below if you have any queries or would like to discuss further.
