TL;DR
You're probably a PSC if you own more than 25% of a company. Use our interactive tool below to check in 60 seconds.
Am I a PSC?
Use Our Interactive Tool
Answer a few simple questions to find out if you're a PSC.
The PSC Decision Tree
Work through these questions. If you answer "Yes" to ANY of them, you're a PSC.
Do you own more than 25% of the company's shares?
Add up all the shares you own. If it's more than a quarter of all shares, you're a PSC.
Do you have more than 25% of the voting rights?
Voting rights let you vote on company decisions. Some shares have more votes than others – check your company's articles.
Can you appoint or remove the majority of directors?
If you have the power to hire and fire the people who run the company, you're in control.
Do you have significant influence or control over the company?
This is a catch-all for other ways of controlling a company – like through shareholder agreements or trust arrangements.
Flowchart: Am I a PSC?
Do you own >25% of shares?
Do you have >25% voting rights?
Can you appoint/remove directors?
You're probably NOT a PSC
(unless you have other significant control)
Common Scenarios
Solo founder (100% owner)
Definitely a PSC. You own more than 25%.
Business partners (50/50 split)
Both are PSCs. Each owns 50%, which is more than 25%.
Three co-founders (40/30/30 split)
All three are PSCs. Each owns more than 25%.
Five equal founders (20% each)
Nobody is a PSC. No one owns more than 25%.
Director but no shares
Not a PSC (through ownership) but still need to verify as a director!
Tricky Situations
I'm a director but I don't own any shares. Am I a PSC?
Usually no. Being a director doesn't automatically make you a PSC. You need to meet one of the PSC conditions – like owning more than 25% or having the power to appoint directors.
I own exactly 25%. Am I a PSC?
No. You need to own MORE than 25%. Exactly 25% doesn't count. So 25.01% = PSC, but 25% = not a PSC.
My spouse and I each own 15%. Are we PSCs?
Generally no, because neither of you individually owns more than 25%. However, if you've agreed to vote together, you might be counted as a 'joint arrangement' – which could make you PSCs.
I'm an employee with share options. Am I a PSC?
Not until you exercise those options and actually own the shares. Potential future ownership doesn't count.
Found Out You're a PSC?
You'll need to verify your identity. It only takes 5-10 minutes.