By Michele Muscillo, Partner and Damian O'Connor,
Special Counsel
When addressing their end of financial year obligations,
employers need to aware of new changes to the taxation of employee
share scheme (EES) interests, effective from 1 July 2009. These
rules apply to shares, stapled securities and rights to acquire
them (including options), which have been provided at a discount
under an ESS. A significant change under the new legislation is
that employers must issue statements to scheme participants, in
much the same way as PAYG payment summaries are issued. These
statements must be issued by 14 July 2010.
Application of the ESS reporting requirements
This new legislation generally applies to ESS interests provided
from 1 July 2009. However, the new reporting requirements can also
apply to arrangements in place before that time. The new rules
cover not only employees, but also individuals in relationships
similar to employment, such as directors and