ESOP & Advisor Equity

End-to-end structuring of equity-based compensation strategies, including ESOPs, phantom stock, stock appreciation rights (SARs), and other customized instruments tailored to business needs.

Drafting of complete legal documentation such as ESOP policies, board and shareholder resolutions, grant letters, phantom stock agreements, and employee communications.

Design of optimal vesting schedules (time-based, milestone-based, or hybrid) aligned with employee retention and performance objectives.

Advisory on selecting the most suitable equity structuring route direct equity issuance, ESOPs, phantom stock, or founder share transfers—based on the company’s stage, objectives, and regulatory landscape.

Guidance on tax implications, including GST, TDS, perquisite taxation under the Income Tax Act, and potential capital gains during liquidity or exit events.

Support with valuation exercises, including coordination and review of FMV or book value reports required under the Companies Act, 2013 and the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Ensuring full statutory compliance, including private placement requirements under Section 42, ESOP issuance under Section 62(1)(b), and other applicable company law provisions.

Assistance with cap table modeling and dilution analysis to demonstrate the impact of equity grants across different scenarios.

ESOP-focused tax planning services for Indian companies, helping employers and employees optimize tax outcomes.

Comprehensive ESOP documentation support in India to ensure legally enforceable and compliant employee equity grants.

Advisory on equity structuring for advisors, helping startups design tax-efficient and compliant incentive structures.

Startup-focused ESOP valuation services aligned with accounting and tax compliance requirements in India.

Advisory on ESOP exercises, secondary sale structuring, and liquidity event planning to help employees unlock equity value effectively.

ESOP tax advisory for both employees and companies, ensuring proper withholding, reporting, and long-term tax efficiency.