PAYE – How an employer funds the tax cost on an employee share scheme benefit

This interpretation statement explains an employer’s withholding and reporting obligations related to PAYE, student loans and KiwiSaver if an employer wants to fund the cost of tax (and student loan, if applicable) on an employee share scheme benefit provided in shares. 

It updates and replaces IS 24/06 to reflect changes in the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency Response, and Remedial Measures) Act 2025 that mean ACC earners’ levy does not apply to cash-settled ESS benefits.  This aligns the treatment of cash-settled and share-settled ESS benefits.