Taxation on shares when exercised

gar44

Hey guys I hope I posted this in the right place. I am currently working for a start-up company which is planning to be sold early next year. I have been given company shares (for free) and its looking like they may be worth quite a bit if we sell. I was hoping to get some advice on the taxation of the shares when I exercise them.

I roughly understand how I will be taxed in relation to the gain I make from the shares but I am really more interested in finding out if there is any method of reducing the taxation.

I have been told that if I use the shares to purchase government bonds that I can avoid taxation, is there any truth to that? Also if anyone knows of any other ways I would be grateful. I’m not in a rush for the money so it doesn’t matter to me if it was a long term workaround.

I’m sure there’s probably no solution to this but I said Id check with you fine folk just in case anyone knew of any. Thanks in advance for any replies

Mr. Incognito

https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwjcgL2TqMHPAhVrJcAKHTjoD8IQFggdMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.revenue.ie%2Fen%2Fabout%2Ffoi%2Fs16%2Fincome-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax%2Fpart-19%2F19-04-03a.pdf&usg=AFQjCNHtm_5gLeQ4bx0DAARbLTnebUgnzw&sig2=jHFhNZRUFMCE6KAu7WlvTA&cad=rja

Carawaystick

If you got shares, then you already owe tax. If you got share options, then you end up paying tax when you exercise the option to buy shares.

You can pay less tax by making less money...