FAQs for SAYE customers joining EQi

Sharesave is a savings-related scheme, which grants employees the option to buy company shares at a special ‘option price’. Employees make monthly contributions, typically over 3 to 5 years, until the scheme matures.

At the end of the scheme, employees can decide whether to ‘exercise their option’ and use the cash they have paid in to buy company shares.

You can find out when your Sharesave scheme is due to mature by logging in to EQ Shareplan Portal. If you have forgotten your log in details, you can request that they are reset via the Portal.

Typically, your options are to take back the money you have saved, use the money to buy your shares, keep, sell or transfer them to a Stocks and Shares ISA. Once in an ISA, any gains are sheltered from Capital Gains Tax, now and in the future.

To see your options, visit the EQ Shareplan Portal.

It means that you are choosing to use your savings to buy your shares under option, at the option price.

You can find what shares you have under option by logging in to the EQ Shareplan Portal.

Your options are set out at the EQ Shareplan Portal. Once you have decided which option is right for you, EQ will carry out your instructions.

Unfortunately, no. If you are uncertain about what to do, you should seek advice from an authorised advisor.

Shares can be transferred into the ISA with no Capital Gains Tax liability within 90 days of receiving the shares when exercising the option. Outside of this, the shares have to be sold outside the ISA with Capital Gains Tax implications and then the funds subscribed to the ISA and shares then purchased (also subject to dealing charges, stamp duty reserve tax and PTM levy).

Your option to buy shares at the ‘option price’ will have lapsed and the money you have saved will be returned to you.

Once you select the flexible ISA option via the EQ Shareplan Portal, EQ will take care of the transfer. A welcome letter will be sent to you with your account details, and you can then access your EQi account 24/7.

If you want to put your shares into another Stocks or Share ISA or investment account, first check that the provider is able to accept them. If they can, you can then make the transfer request via the EQ Shareplan Portal.

If your scheme allows you to request a share certificate, it will be sent to you via post to your registered address. Please note that your share certificate is posted at your own risk.

Additional administration fees may apply. Please refer to your Sharesave Scheme documents or provider for further details.