ARTICLE
31 March 2025
CHANGES TO THE TAXATION OF EMPLOYEE SHARE AND OPTION PLANS OR THE NEW-OLD WAY
External News

Crowe

Finance, tax and accounting
All plan types
Czech Republic

As of April 1, 2025, employers can choose to tax employee share and option benefits either at the time of acquisition (as was the case before 2024) or defer taxation to a later statutory moment (as per the 2024 regime). If opting for deferred taxation, employers must notify tax authorities within strict deadlines, or the benefits will be taxed immediately upon acquisition. Importantly, this new rule applies retroactively to shares and options acquired from January 1, 2024, and employers must declare their intent to defer taxation by May 30, 2025, or the income will be taxed in May 2025.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
17 June 2025, 11:30am - 2:30pm EDT
NEW YORK CHAPTER MEETING
new york chapter meeting

New York, NY

All plan types
USA

In today’s dynamic global landscape, equity compensation is evolving at the intersection of technology, policy, and practice. These two forward-looking sessions examine the forces reshaping our field—from the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence to groundbreaking global research on employee share ownership. Whether you're exploring how AI tools like ChatGPT can complement human expertise, or uncovering international trends from GEO’s Global Share Plans Ranking Project, these sessions will equip you with fresh insights to navigate the future of equity compensation with confidence and clarity.

SESSION ONE: 
AI vs. Human Expertise:  Exploring ChatGPT’s Role in Equity Compensation

In a rapidly changing technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is making its mark across countless industries—including equity compensation. This session explores the evolving role of tools like ChatGPT and examines whether AI can truly replicate or complement human expertise in this nuanced field. Join us for an engaging discussion on the promises, pitfalls, and practical applications of AI in equity compensation strategy, compliance, and communication.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the current capabilities and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT in the context of equity compensation.
  • Identify areas within equity compensation where AI may enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making—and where human judgment remains essential.
  • Evaluate ethical, legal, and practical considerations when integrating AI into equity compensation processes.

     

SESSION TWO:
Global Share Plans Ranking Study:  Insights, Opportunities, and the Future of Employee Ownership

GEO’s Global Share Plans Ranking Project breaks new ground as the first initiative to provide a country-by-country snapshot of employee share ownership across the globe. This session highlights key findings from the expanded report, offering insights into which countries are embracing employee equity—and which markets may present emerging opportunities. Discover where support for employee ownership is thriving and explore the global trends shaping the future of equity compensation.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: 

  • Understand the methodology and scope of GEO’s Global Share Plans Ranking Project and its significance to the equity compensation community.
  • Identify top-performing countries in terms of employee share ownership support and participation.
  • Recognize emerging markets with growth potential and explore strategies for expanding employee equity initiatives globally.

     

LOCATION
UBS
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY, 10019

*Please indicate any dietary requirements in your registration as lunch will be provided. 

Members and non-members are welcome to join this chapter meeting.  Registration is required.

4.5 Global Tariffs & Share Plans: Risks, Reactions, and Resilience

As global trade policies evolve, tariffs are increasingly influencing more than just goods—they’re affecting how multinational companies design and administer employee share plans. In this session, industry experts will explore how tariff-driven costs and shifting regulations are adding complexity to equity compensation.

We'll consider how companies might adapt their strategies, redesign plans for resilience, and communicate effectively in a rapidly changing global landscape.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Discover how tariff pressures may reshape award design, plan localization, and performance metrics.
  • Learn ways to keep participants engaged despite rising uncertainty and regional volatility.
  • Get practical insights into “tariff-proofing” your equity plans for the future
Speaker/Author

Zoe Denny, GEO (UK)
Mark Higgins, WPP (UK)

Event date
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025, 13:15 - 14:00
Topic
Plan type
Country
Breakout series
Location
Karlin 4
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O
IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
5 June 2025, 3 - 5pm BST
UK AND CHANNEL ISLANDS CHAPTER MEETING - EDINBURGH
Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland

Trending now
All plan types
UK and Channel Islands

Join the UK Chapter In Edinburgh

Join the GEO UK Chapter in Edinburgh, Scotland, for a compelling afternoon discussing some of the latest hot topics in equity compensation. We will be sharing highlights from GEO's Annual Conference in Prague, a Sharesave case study where we will hear from a selection of organisations about the effectiveness of the communication and financial education methods used to highlight key messages for their recent Sharesave maturities, Marcus Wright (NatWest) will be discussing and analysing the latest economic updates. We will also be taking some time to focus on our Next Gen, and this will be followed by networking.  We look forward to seeing you in Edinburgh soon!

Please bring valid ID to access the event.

LOCATION
NatWest Group
Gogarburn
175 Glasgow Road
Edinburgh
EH12 1HQ

GEO members and non-members are welcome to join.  Registration is required.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
22 May 2025, 3 - 5pm BST
UK AND CHANNEL ISLANDS CHAPTER MEETING - LONDON
London

London, UK

Trending now
All plan types
UK and Channel Islands

Bringing the Conference Highlights To You

Join the GEO UK Chapter for an insightful afternoon of learning about some of the latest hot topics in equity compensation. We will listen to insightful stories from issuers, and also hear some of the highlights from Prague, followed by networking. Whether you were at the latest GEO Annual Conference or not, this won't be an event to miss!

Please bring valid ID to access the event.

LOCATION
Aon Offices
122 Leadenhall St
London
EC3V 4AN
 

GEO members and non-members are welcome to join.  Registration is required.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
15 May 2025, 4 - 5:30pm BST
UK AND CHANNEL ISLANDS CHAPTER MEETING - LEEDS
Leeds

Leeds, UK

Trending now
All plan types
UK and Channel Islands

Meet us in the North and Midlands

Join the GEO UK Chapter in the North of England, for an insightful session discussing some of the latest hot topics in equity compensation. We will also chat about some of the highlights from GEO's Annual Conference in Prague followed by networking. We look forward to seeing you for our first regional event of 2025!

Please bring valid ID to access the event.

LOCATION
MUFG Offices
Central Square
29 Wellington St
Leeds
LS1 4DL

GEO members and non-members are welcome to join.  Registration is required.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
5 June 2025, 8 - 9:30am AEST
AUSTRALIA CHAPTER MEETING - MELBOURNE
Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

Design and strategy
All plan types
Australia

Navigating Employee Share Plans: Australian Issuer Insights

Join us for panel discussions in Sydney on June 3rd or Melbourne on June 5th (or both!) where we’ll explore the ins and outs of operating employee share plans in Australia. Whether you're new to share plans or looking for some insights on market practice, our panel of issuers will share their knowledge on topics like tax considerations, employee engagement, and the practical tips to managing share plans effectively (including ESS Reporting). You'll also have the chance to ask questions and hear real-world examples from those who’ve successfully navigated the process.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear what’s going on in the Australian market and network with those working with share plans.

 

Where:

June 3rd - Sydney
Baker & McKenzie Tower One
International Towers Sydney Level 46
100 Barangaroo Avenue
Sydney NSW 2000
 

June 5th - Melbourne
Arnold Bloch Leibler
Level 21
333 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
3 June 2025, 8 - 9:30am AEST
AUSTRALIA CHAPTER MEETING - SYDNEY
Sydney

Sydney, Australia 

Design and strategy
All plan types
Australia

Navigating Employee Share Plans: Australian Issuer Insights

Join us for panel discussions in Sydney on June 3rd or Melbourne on June 5th (or both!) where we’ll explore the ins and outs of operating employee share plans in Australia. Whether you're new to share plans or looking for some insights on market practice, our panel of issuers will share their knowledge on topics like tax considerations, employee engagement, and the practical tips to managing share plans effectively (including ESS Reporting). You'll also have the chance to ask questions and hear real-world examples from those who’ve successfully navigated the process.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear what’s going on in the Australian market and network with those working with share plans.

 

Where:

June 3rd - Sydney
Baker & McKenzie Tower One
International Towers Sydney Level 46
100 Barangaroo Avenue
Sydney NSW 2000
 

June 5th - Melbourne
Arnold Bloch Leibler
Level 21
333 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
8 May 2025, 11:30am - 1:30pm PDT
PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING
PacWest

Seattle, WA or Virtual 

Legal and regulatory
All plan types
USA

Navigating the Future of U.S. Business Immigration: Challenges and Changes

Join us for an insightful discussion on the current state of U.S. business immigration, focusing on H-1B and other work permits, the impact of federal government cuts, the status of travel bans, and predictions for what lies ahead in immigration policy and how it impacts world of global equity.

LOCATIONS

In-Person
KPMG Seattle
401 Union St
28th Floor
Seattle, WA 98101

Virtual - Join us from wherever you are - virtual details will be emailed after registration

Generously hosted KPMG

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IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
17 April 2025, 12 - 2pm MDT
GREATER ROCKIES, UTAH CHAPTER MEETING
Rockies

Lehi, Utah

Operational effectiveness
All plan types
USA
THE OPERATIONAL DEBATE: STREAMLINING EQUITY PLANS

In the world of equity compensation, operational hurdles are where the real debates begin. How do you strike the right balance between automation and hands-on management? Should compliance be centralized or tailored to local requirements? This session dives deep into the key operational challenges of equity plan execution, from data management and participant communications to administrative efficiency and compliance oversight. Experts will debate the pros and cons of different operational strategies, offering insights to help you optimize processes, reduce complexity, and ensure your equity plan runs like a well-oiled machine. Prepare to engage in this discussion on the most effective ways to handle operational roadblocks.

This session will include a lunch.

LOCATION
Adobe
3900 Adobe Way
Lehi, UT 

Thank you to our sponsor

Image removed.

There is no charge to attend this meeting.  Both members and non-members are welcome to join.