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Too soon to say goodbye

26 July 2016 / Julie Butler
Issue: 4560 / Categories: Comment & Analysis
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The consequences of leaving in haste when capital gains tax entrepreneurs’ relief is at stake.

KEY POINTS

  • Timing departure as an employee or director when selling shares in the company.
  • What constitutes continuing employment duties?
  • The impact of the new reduced 20% rate of capital gains tax.
  • Importance of tax planning before completing transactions.

The conditions to qualify for capital gains tax entrepreneurs’ relief are onerous. It is a condition that when there is a disposal of shares the vendor must be a director or employee throughout the year leading to the disposal. In reality many directors leave in haste and then sell their shares by some form of ‘post-departure agreement for sale’. Many would argue that from a practical point remaining as a director provides an improved position of strength for negotiation as well as tax relief.

The First-tier Tribunal decision in J Moore (TC4903) shows the...

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