1. What's the difference between SEIS and EIS?

SEIS is for very early-stage companies raising their first, smaller rounds of investment, and gives investors 50% Income Tax relief. EIS is for slightly larger, more established companies raising bigger amounts, and gives investors 30% relief. Many startups use SEIS first and then move on to EIS. We'll help you plan both rounds so they work together.

2. Does my company qualify?

To qualify, your company generally needs to be a UK trading company that is young, independent and below certain size limits for assets and employees. Some activities are excluded, such as property development and financial services. We'll check your eligibility in detail before you start talking to investors.

3. What is advance assurance, and do I need it?

Advance assurance is HMRC's provisional confirmation that your company is likely to qualify for SEIS or EIS. It isn't legally required, but most investors expect it before they commit. We prepare and submit the application for you, which gives investors confidence and helps your funding round move faster.

4. How long do investors need to hold their shares?

Investors usually need to hold their shares for at least three years to keep their tax relief. If the shares are sold, or certain conditions are broken during that time, the relief can be taken back. We'll explain the rules clearly to both founders and investors, so nobody is caught out.

5. What happens if the investment doesn't work out?

If the company fails, investors can usually claim loss relief. This lets them offset the loss, after the Income Tax relief already received, against their income or gains. It significantly reduces the downside risk, which is one reason SEIS and EIS are so attractive to investors.

EIS & SEIS Tax Relief Planning

At Collective Concepts Accounting, we specialise in helping businesses raise investment through EIS/SEIS and guiding investors through the relief process, making the whole experience smarter, simpler, and safer.

For Founders & Startups:

We’ll help you:

Determine whether your company qualifies

Prepare and submit advance assurance with HMRC

Structure your funding round to remain compliant

Issue EIS/SEIS certificates (EIS3/SEIS3)

Maintain records and meet ongoing obligations

Understand the interaction with R&D and other reliefs

We’ll also liaise with your legal and investor teams to ensure alignment across your cap table and compliance process.

For Investors:

We provide:

Advice on EIS/SEIS eligibility and limits

Tax relief calculations (Income Tax and CGT deferral)

Guidance on holding periods and exit scenarios

Reporting support for your self-assessment tax return

With up to 50% Income Tax relief, Capital Gains Tax deferral, and tax-free growth on disposal, the benefits are substantial.

1. What's the difference between SEIS and EIS?
SEIS is for very early-stage companies raising their first, smaller rounds of investment, and gives investors 50% Income Tax relief. EIS is for slightly larger, more established companies raising bigger amounts, and gives investors 30% relief. Many startups use SEIS first and then move on to EIS. We'll help you plan both rounds so they work together.
2. Does my company qualify?
To qualify, your company generally needs to be a UK trading company that is young, independent and below certain size limits for assets and employees. Some activities are excluded, such as property development and financial services. We'll check your eligibility in detail before you start talking to investors.
3. What is advance assurance, and do I need it?
Advance assurance is HMRC's provisional confirmation that your company is likely to qualify for SEIS or EIS. It isn't legally required, but most investors expect it before they commit. We prepare and submit the application for you, which gives investors confidence and helps your funding round move faster.
4. How long do investors need to hold their shares?
Investors usually need to hold their shares for at least three years to keep their tax relief. If the shares are sold, or certain conditions are broken during that time, the relief can be taken back. We'll explain the rules clearly to both founders and investors, so nobody is caught out.
5. What happens if the investment doesn't work out?
If the company fails, investors can usually claim loss relief. This lets them offset the loss, after the Income Tax relief already received, against their income or gains. It significantly reduces the downside risk, which is one reason SEIS and EIS are so attractive to investors.

EIS / SEIS Planning

Fuel Innovation. Unlock Investment. Reap the Tax Rewards.