Welcome to the Share | Updates – April 2026 edition!
This month, we are sharing tax and legal updates in a simple and clear view, from Belgium, Bermuda, France, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Switzerland and UK.
CMS Employee Equity 101 series – new insights about Employee Benefit Trusts.
Employee Share Plans: Ask the Experts – we invite you to join this Experts Event on the 13th of May at CMS Manchester office.
Come for the breakfast. Stay for the conversation.
Recent Changes
Belgium
New Capital Gains Tax Formally Adopted
On 3 April 2026, and as anticipated, the Belgium Parliament has formally adopted the new capital gains tax legislation, introducing a new tax on gains from the sale of shares (and other financial assets).
This will be effective in relation to gains realised on or after 1 January 2026. A 10% tax rate will apply to such gains, subject to an annual exemption of EUR €10,000 (EUR €1,000 of which may be carried forward for up to 5 years).
Bermuda
Changes to Employer Social Security Rate
The maximum employer social security rate has decreased from 10.25% to 9.25%.
France
Social Security Cap
For those elements of social security that are subject to a cap, the highest cap is based on 8 times the social security ceiling. This cap has increased from EUR 47,100 to EUR 48,060.
Kenya
Social Security Cap
The employee and employer social security monthly cap increased from KSh 72,000 to KSh 108,000 from 1 February 2026.
Sri Lanka
Capital Gains Tax Increase
The rate of capital gains tax has increased from 10% to 15%.
Switzerland
Individual Taxation Reform
On 8 March 2026, Swiss voters approved a tax reform introducing individual taxation for all adults, regardless of marital status.
Under the new system, each individual will file their own tax return and be taxed on their individual income and assets.
The change will not take effect immediately. Implementation will be done gradually and it requires coordination across federal, cantonal, and municipal levels, with the new system expected to be fully in force by 2032 at the latest.
UK
Tax on dividends
The UK Government increased the “ordinary” and “upper” tax rates for dividends, with effect on 6 April 2026. The “ordinary” rate increased from 8.75% to 10.75%. The “upper” increased from 33.75% to 35.75%.
No changes were made to the “additional” rate, which is due to remain at 39.35%.
EMI tax-efficient plan
Various improvements took effect in April 2026, making EMI options available to more companies.
- the limit on company options will be increased to £6 million, from £3 million;
- the limit on gross assets will be increased to £120 million, from £30 million;
- the limit on the number of employees will be increased to 500 employees from 250 employees; and
- the limit on the exercise period for individual EMI options will be increased to 15 years, from 10 years.
EMI is a tax-efficient method to deliver share options to UK-based employees. These changes will increase the ability for companies to offer these Awards.
CMS Employee Equity 101 series
Understand the Employee Benefit Trusts
In this new series of Employee Equity 101 CMS will look at all the ways in which an EBT can support employee share arrangements, how they work in both a listed and unlisted context and some practical hints and tips.
You can subscribe to these insights here
Employee Share Plans: Ask the Experts
Wednesday 13 May 2026 | 8:30am till 12:00pm
CMS, Manchester
More than just breakfast… Join us for a relaxed, energised morning where seven share plan providers come together for an engaging and interactive session. It’s a chance to have real conversations, pick up practical ideas, and ask the questions you don’t usually get to ask.
- Breakfast & chat – coffee, food and a chance to connect
- Welcome & introductions – a short scene-setter followed by quick introductions from each provider
- Speed rounds with experts – short, one-to-one conversations with providers across the share plan lifecycle
- Group conversation – sharing the themes, insights and questions coming out of the room.
Providers:
CMS – solicitors
Eximia – employee reward communications
Optio – equity incentives management platform
ShareReporter – global share plan compliance platform
TouchStone – valuations
VG – professional trustee
Wealth at Work – financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist
Why attend?
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with open conversations
Speak directly with multiple share plan experts in one place
Walk away with practical ideas you can apply to your organisation
Hear real examples and current best‑practice to inspire you
Keen to join us? Register here