Computershare Trust Company of Canada

January 27, 2009 18:34 ET

Computershare Extends TFSA Benefits to Canadians Who Participate in Employee Share Purchase Plans

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 27, 2009) - On January 1, 2009, Computershare Trust Company of Canada began offering Group TFSAs for employee share purchase plans (ESPP). Share purchase plans offered within the framework of a TFSA enable employees to acquire equity and share in their company's success while tax sheltering the dividends earned and capital gains realized from their investments.

"We know that the average annual investment in an ESPP per employee is usually less than $5,000," says Dave Nugent, Senior Vice President of Computershare Plan Managers, "We also know that the ESPP is a contributionbased, mediumterm savings vehicles for people. Both of these features make the Group TFSA a great fit for members of ESPP programs."

Within an ESPP, employees make small deposits through payroll contributions that are normally matched at some level by the employer. The taxes that become payable on dividends and capital gains erode the earnings in an ESPP. Offering the TFSA within share purchase plans provides a tax shelter for that growth.

Generally ESPPs only attract a portion of employees to invest in the company stock depending on the employer match. Computershare expects that offering this taxsheltering benefit within a share purchase plan will appeal to employees and increase their participation in company plans.

The TFSA is a new registered account that was introduced by the federal government in the 2008 budget. The TFSA is available to all Canadian residents who are 18 years of age and older, and allows eligible contributors to save up to $5,000 in investments including cash deposits, GICs, mutual funds, stocks and bonds. Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website (link to: http://www.craarc.gc.ca/tx/rgstrd/tfsaceli/bteng.html) or the TFSA government website (link to: http://www.tfsa.gc.ca/) to view a complete list of eligibility requirements and guidelines.

About Computershare Limited (CPU)

Computershare (ASX:CPU) is a global leader in share registration, employee equity plans, proxy solicitation and other specialized financial, governance and communication services. Many of the world's largest companies employ our innovative solutions to maximize the value of their relationships with investors, employees, customers and members.

Computershare has approximately 12,000 employees across the world and serves 17,000 corporations and 100 million shareholders and employee accounts in 17 countries across five continents. For more information, visit www.computershare.com.