Commentary on Sections Overview Overview
1418.The rules in this Chapter counter avoidance through the use of shares which function in a similar way to loan relationships but which fall outside the definition. The schemes making use of these shares exploit the fact that increases in value and gains from the disposal of shares are subject only to the rules for corporation tax on chargeable gains, if at all. The schemes use derivatives in conjunction with shares, or deferred subscription agreements to create what is in form a share but in economic substance a deposit or loan. In most of them the risks associated with equity investments, as well as the rewards, are removed or significantly reduced, leaving the share giving a return, either by the payment of “dividends” or by a wholly predictable increase in value, which is the type of return expected from debt.