A new electronic form, the Employer’s Share Awards (ESA) return, is due to launch in June. The form provides for the mandatory electronic reporting of certain share-based remuneration, as required under Finance Act 2020. The form applies to tax year 2020 and onwards. The filing deadline for the 2020 return is 31 August 2021.

Section 8 of the Finance Act 2020 provides for the mandatory electronic reporting of certain share-based remuneration. This includes restricted stock units (RSUs), restricted shares, convertible shares, forfeitable shares, discounted shares, and any other award with cash-equivalent of shares.

The new return will have a format very similar to the existing KEEP1, RSS1 and ESS1 electronic returns – a pre-formatted spreadsheet which can be uploaded through ROS.

While the filing deadline for the 2020 return is 31 August 2021, for subsequent years the reporting date of 31 March following the relevant tax year will apply.

See Revenue eBrief No. 131/21 for further details.