Alternative Asset Class
EIS & SEIS
Government-backed tax incentives offering up to 50% income tax relief. Invest in innovative UK companies while significantly reducing your tax bill.
£2B+
Invested Annually
50%
Max Tax Relief (SEIS)
47,000+
Companies Funded
30+
Years of EIS
Tax Relief Calculator
See how much you could save with EIS and SEIS tax relief.
Income Tax Relief
£15,000
30%
Effective Cost
£35,000
After tax relief
CGT Deferral
Unlimited
Defer gains until disposal
*Illustrative example only. Tax benefits depend on individual circumstances and maintaining qualifying status.
EIS & SEIS Market Data
Explore investment trends, sector allocations, and how EIS/SEIS compares to other tax-efficient vehicles.
Annual EIS & SEIS Investment (£M)
Investment has grown significantly, with over £2.5B now invested annually through EIS alone.
The Investment Process
From initial assessment to claiming your tax relief, here's how EIS/SEIS investment works.
- 1
Assess Suitability
We review your tax position, risk profile, and investment objectives
- 2
Select Opportunities
Choose from curated EIS/SEIS qualifying companies or funds
- 3
Complete Investment
Subscribe for shares and complete required documentation
- 4
Receive EIS3/SEIS3
Company issues certificate confirming qualifying status
- 5
Claim Tax Relief
Submit certificate with tax return to claim relief
- 6
Monitor & Exit
Track progress and participate in future funding rounds or exits
EIS vs SEIS Benefits
Both schemes offer substantial tax advantages, with SEIS providing more generous relief for higher-risk seed investments.
EIS
Enterprise Investment Scheme
Up to £1M/year (£2M for knowledge-intensive)
30% Income Tax Relief
Claim 30% of your investment against your income tax bill for the year.
Capital Gains Deferral
Defer capital gains from other investments when reinvested into EIS.
Tax-Free Growth
No capital gains tax on profits if shares are held for 3+ years.
Loss Relief
If the investment fails, losses can be offset against income tax.
IHT Exemption
Shares held for 2+ years qualify for Business Relief (100% IHT exemption).
SEIS
Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme
Up to £200K/year investment
50% Income Tax Relief
Claim 50% of your investment against your income tax bill for the year.
CGT Reinvestment Relief
50% relief on gains reinvested into SEIS in the same tax year.
Tax-Free Growth
No capital gains tax on profits if shares are held for 3+ years.
Enhanced Loss Relief
Enhanced loss relief if the investment fails, with income tax offset.
Investment Range
£10,000 - £1M+
Flexible investment sizes available
Minimum Hold Period
3 Years
For full tax benefits
Portfolio Allocation
5-10%
Recommended maximum
Important Considerations
- Investments are in early-stage, unquoted companies
- High risk of capital loss—many startups fail
- Shares are illiquid and cannot easily be sold
- Minimum 3-year holding period for full tax benefits
- Tax benefits depend on maintaining qualifying status
- Should form only 5-10% of overall portfolio
Suitable For
- Higher-rate (40%) and additional-rate (45%) taxpayers
- Investors with recent capital gains to defer
- Those with high risk tolerance and 5+ year horizon
- Individuals seeking IHT planning solutions
- Sophisticated investors who understand startup risk
Free EIS/SEIS Tax Guide
Our comprehensive guide covers:
- Complete tax relief breakdown
- How to claim relief on your tax return
- Qualifying company criteria
- Loss relief and IHT planning
"A £100,000 SEIS investment costs just £50,000 after tax relief."
Ready to Reduce Your Tax Bill?
Our tax-efficient investment specialists will analyse your situation and identify the best EIS and SEIS opportunities for your portfolio.