ACCA Advanced Taxation (ATX) Practice Exam

How are 'partnership shares' purchased in an SIP?

1. Using after-tax income

2. Using pre-tax remuneration

3. As a gift from the employer

4. Using tax refunds

The correct answer is: Using pre-tax remuneration

Purchasing 'partnership shares' in a Share Incentive Plan (SIP) typically involves using pre-tax remuneration, which is significant because it allows employees to acquire shares without having to use their net income after tax deductions. This mechanism maximizes the benefit of the scheme, as employees can invest more of their earnings into shares before any income tax is applied, thereby increasing their potential return on investment. Utilizing pre-tax remuneration means that the employees effectively get a tax advantage when they decide to purchase shares through the SIP. This can make participation in an equity scheme more appealing, as employees are not diminishing their take-home pay by using already-taxed income. This arrangement not only incentivizes employees to become stakeholders in the company but also can foster a greater sense of commitment and alignment with the company's long-term success. Other methods of acquiring shares, such as using after-tax income or as gifts, do not provide the same level of financial efficiency in the context of a SIP.