UK HMRC SAYE Bonus Mechanism


On May 26, UK HMRC updated mechanism for calculating SAYE rates.


  • HMRC has updated its mechanism for calculating the bonus rates for SAYE participants.
  • Follows HMRC Jun. 2022 review on Save As You Earn (SAYE) Bonus Rate Mechanism.
  • SAYE Mechanism
  • HMRC worked with close support of external stakeholders to develop the mechanism.
  • The bonus rates will now be calculated with reference to the BoE Bank Rate (also known as the ‘base rate’), providing greater certainty and transparency for users.
  • Details of how rate is calculated are set out in the bonus rates automatic mechanism.
  • HMRC will record the bonus rates, early leaver rate and the effective date of any change in change in bonus rates for Save As You Earn (SAYE) Share Option Schemes.
  • For now, current rates have been provided, but HMRC is expecting to add rate which will apply from Aug. 18, 2023 following confirmation of Bank Rate in early Aug. 2023.
  • Specimen save as you earn (SAYE) prospectus issued to give effect to new mechanism.
  • This prospectus will not require replacement to update the bonus rate in future.
  • Effectiveness
  • New bonus rates automatic mechanism will come into effect from Aug. 18, 2023.
  • Aug. 2023
  • On Aug. 18, 2023, UK HMRC confirmed new SAYE bonus rate mechanism in effect.
  • Nov. 2024 SAYE Bonus Rate Changes
  • On Nov. 7, 2024, UK HMRC confirmed latest bonus SAYE Share Schemes rate changes.
  • Both the 3-year and 5-year rates for SAYE Share Option Schemes will change on 15th day following change in UK BoE Bank Rate, in SAYE bonus rates automatic mechanism.
  • Employees who are already saving under existing SAYE contracts are not affected by changes, but will affect all new Scheme members, as well as early leaver SAYE rates.
  • UK BoE publication date is Nov. 7, 2024, effective SAYE Scheme date is Nov. 22, 2024.

Regulators UK HMRC
Entity Types B/D; Corp; IA
Reference Gd, PR 11/7/2024; PR 8/18/2023; Gd 5/26/2023
Functions Financial; HR; Legal; Tax
Countries United Kingdom
Category
State
Products Corporate; Equity; Fund Mgt; Securities
Regions EMEA
Rule Type Final
Rule Date 5/26/2023
Effective Date 11/22/2024
Rule Id 174133
Linked to N/A
Reg. Last Update 11/7/2024
Report Section UK

Last substantive update on 11/12/2024