Tagged: deferred share unit plans

DSU Plans May Run Afoul of U.S. Deferral Election Timing Rules Resulting in Adverse U.S. Tax Treatment

A Canadian company adopting a deferred share unit plan (DSU plan) for its directors must consider U.S. tax implications for U.S. taxpayers.  It is important to remember that U.S. citizens and U.S. residents for tax purposes (including green card holders) are taxed on worldwide income, regardless of where they reside.  As such, participation by a U.S. director, including an expat or holder of dual citizenship, could result in significant adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, as a typical Canadian DSU plan often runs afoul of Section 409A.  In a prior article, DSU Plans Require Careful Review to Avoid Adverse U.S. Tax Treatment, common payment timing violations of U.S....

Common U.S. Securities Problems with Canadian Stock-Based Compensation Plans

We are frequently asked to review Canadian companies’ stock option, restricted share unit (RSU), performance share unit (PSU), deferred share unit (DSU), and other stock-based compensation plans for U.S. securities law purposes, because awards are expected to be made to U.S. residents. For companies that are cross-listed and file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the intention is typically to register the underlying securities by filing a Form S-8 with the SEC. For companies that do not file SEC reports – whether publicly traded in Canada or privately held – the intention is typically to rely on the exemption provided by Rule 701 under the Securities Act of 1933 and exemptions...