The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is designed to help businesses grow by providing investors with tax relief, therefore reducing the risk around investing.
Sleek can help you to apply for advance assurance from the government to prove these tax benefits. We handle the entire process, reducing admin and stress, and providing expert advice.
Trusted by thousands of UK businesses
The enterprise investment scheme (EIS) is designed to help your company attract investors and grow. This is done by offering tax benefits to investors who buy new shares in your company.
Tax relief
The tax relief available under EIS is 30% of the costs of shares. We can help you through the whole process.
HMRC advance assurance
We know these conditions inside-out and can determine whether the scheme’s implementation is a viable option for your business.
Share issue
Once the scheme is finalized, we fill the forms and issue the relevant certificates.
What is EIS in UK?
The Enterprise Investment Scheme is a government initiative that offers tax relief to investors purchasing shares in smaller companies that have been deemed high risk. Companies can apply for EIS assurance to allow investors to access this relief; they must follow certain rules in order to stay qualified. For help with applying for and navigating EIS, it is a good idea to work with an accountant.
Are EIS schemes good?
The EIS is widely known to be one of the UK’s best investment schemes, offering immediate relief to investors and loss relief if things don’t work out. Small companies can raise up to £5million each year and £12 million in their lifetime.
How does an EIS scheme work?
An EIS Scheme offers tax reliefs to individual investors who buy new shares in a small company. The money raised must be used for a business activity and must be spent within two years. Accountants such as Sleek can offer tailored, in-depth advice to companies looking to use the EIS scheme.
Who is eligible for EIS relief?
Companies that can join the EIS scheme and offer relief to investors must be based in the UK and have less than 250 employees. They must not have gross assets worth more than £15 million before any shares are issued and and not have more than £16 million immediately afterwards. To be eligible, they cannot be controlled by another company. Sleek can streamline the process of applying for EIS and help companies to stick to the rules once accepted.
How much EIS relief can I claim?
Investors can get EIS relief at the rate of 30% on the aggregate of the amounts claimed; this relief is available for the tax year in which the shares are issued, and relief on investments up to £1million per year can be claimed. For more support with EIS relief, it is best to speak to a financial advisor.
How much can you invest in EIS?
You can invest up to £1 million per tax year in EIS or £2 million, providing anything above £1 million is in ‘knowledge intensive’ investments. These are companies that are carrying out research, development or innovation at the time that they are issuing shares. To find out more about EIS investment, speak to a financial advisor.
How long do I need to hold EIS shares?
In order to get EIS tax relief, you need to hold EIS shares for a minimum of 3 years. You can claim relief before this, however. For more support with EIS relief, it is best to speak to a financial advisor.
Are EIS gains tax free?
No Capital Gains Tax is payable on any profits made on an EIS investment at the point of disposal. To find out more about EIS investment, speak to a financial advisor.
Seb Francis
Co-Founder & Director, Titus Learning Ltd
“We’ve been with Sleek since the very beginning of our business. They helped with Seed EIS, R&D and implementing an online cloud bookkeeping system through Xero. Sleek has undoubtedly helped us grow our business.”
Victoria Haynes
CEO & Founder, Neon Hop
“I met Ed from Sleek when he was visiting our coworking space in London. After a quick chat, Ed explained how I could move my accounts online and also discussed R&D tax credits. His advice has been invaluable!”
Daniel S,
Sleek Advisor
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