The short version: SEIS gives you generous tax relief for investing in early stage startups. It’s one of the most tax efficient investment schemes in the UK, but it’s high risk.
What relief do you get?
50% Income Tax relief on your investment (claim it back from HMRC). No Capital Gains Tax if you hold the shares for at least three years. Loss relief if the company fails. There are annual limits on how much you can invest.
What’s the catch?
Most startups fail. The tax relief cushions the blow, but you could still lose money. Only invest what you can afford to lose, and do your due diligence on the company.
How do you claim?
The company issues you a SEIS certificate. You claim the relief through Self Assessment. Make sure you actually file a return, otherwise you won’t get the tax back.
Invested in SEIS and need to claim the relief? We can include it in your tax return.
