Free shares
SIP Free Shares Calculator
Check your free share award against the £3,600 annual limit, and see how much of your allowance you're using.
SIP Free Shares Calculator
How this works
Free shares, up to £3,600 a year
Free shares cost you nothing and can be awarded equally to all eligible employees, or linked to objective performance measures your employer applies consistently. The annual limit is £3,600 — anything awarded above that in a single tax year won't qualify for the same tax treatment.
The same holding-period rules apply
Like every other SIP share type, free shares generally become free of Income Tax and NIC on withdrawal once held for 5 years. Check a specific award: Holding Period Calculator.