Funding and ownership
EMI
Enterprise Management Incentives: a UK government-approved share option scheme for smaller companies. EMI options come with tax advantages: usually no income tax or National Insurance when you exercise, with your gain taxed as capital gains instead, often at a lower rate.
A plain-English explanation, not financial or tax advice. Rules and rates change, so check your own situation. For free, impartial guidance, try MoneyHelper. Disclaimer.
You'll hear it as
They're EMI options, so the tax is much kinder.
Why it matters to you.
If a UK startup offers you options, ask whether they're EMI. The same options can leave you far better off after tax. Leaving can affect the tax treatment, so check how long you have to exercise.
Related terms.
Videos.
No video mentions EMI by name yet. These are on the same topic, Careers & hiring.