Course Details

The use of multiple classes of shares (commonly referred to as alphabet shares) is common in the Owner Managed Business (OMB) sector, despite there being many commercial reasons for alphabet shares, the tax planning incentives e.g. dividend planning a prevalent. This session will explain the tax implications of implementing an alphabet share structures as well as the tax issues on utilising dividends as a form of remuneration planning.


In this session Nick Wright will cover the following topics:

  • Tax implications of implementing an alphabet share structure e.g.
    • CGT and share reorganisation provisions
    • Employment related securities
  • Alphabet shares as a part of remuneration planning:
    • Dividends or earnings
    • Employment related securities
    • Settlements legislation
  • Alphabet shares in implement growth and freezer share structure
  • Companies law issues
  • HMRC reporting requirements


By attending this session, delegates will understand the tax risks of implementing these share structure, when alphabet shares and tax planning is acceptable and how they can protect their clients given HMRC’s increased focus in this area.

This session will be of most interest to tax advisers and accountants who advise owner managed businesses.


Course level: Intermediate

CPD Course Speaker

Jerroms Miller

Nick Wright

Associate director Nick joined Jerroms as a Corporate Tax Manager in 2019 to undertake technical tax research, planning and advisory projects for business and corporate clients.

With Pete and the team, he provides specialist corporate tax advice in areas such as transactions tax, company reconstructions and Employee Ownership Trusts, Employment Related Securities and employee share schemes both to individuals and to accountants and solicitors requiring support for their own clients.

Nick particularly enjoys finding solutions to planning projects in often very technical/complex taxation areas, as well as supporting clients to achieve the optimum solution to their business tax issue, whether that relates to selling their business, demerging, or rewarding employees.