I work for a startup company in San Francisco and will be transferring to our London Office in April. Right now, I have vested a little over half of my allotted shares with the company, but have yet to purchase them.
As part of the negotiations, my company is giving me a Relocation Bonus as well as paying for my first two months out there.
My question is two-fold.
Is it wise to use my Relocation Bonus for purchasing my shares? I figured that since I already have a place to live lined up in London, the company would pay for my first two months and I could use the money that I save on rent for purchasing essentials for the flat / things that were necessary for the move.
If it were a wise decision to buy my shares, when would be the best time to buy them, in terms of taxes? Before I get to London or after the move? Would there be greater tax implications on capital gain in one country or the other?
I am very green when it comes to taxes and stocks, so any help would be greatly appreciated.