The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) helps UK companies attract funding by offering generous tax incentives to investors. We guide you through every step of issuing EIS shares—from eligibility to HMRC compliance.
EIS Share Issues: Tax-Efficient Investment for Growth-Focused Companies
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is a government-backed initiative designed to encourage investment in early-stage UK businesses. By issuing EIS-qualifying shares, your company can offer investors up to 30% income tax relief, capital gains tax deferral, and exemption from inheritance tax—making your business a more attractive proposition.
We specialise in helping purpose-driven startups and growth companies navigate the EIS process with confidence and clarity.
Why Use EIS?
- Investor appeal: EIS tax reliefs make your company more attractive to angel investors and early-stage funds.
- Tax-efficient growth: Investors can claim income tax relief, defer capital gains, and benefit from CGT exemption on disposal.
- Flexible funding: EIS works for equity fundraising rounds of up to £5 million per year (and £12 million lifetime).
- Credibility boost: EIS status signals to investors that your company meets HMRC’s standards for innovation and risk.
EIS Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for EIS, your company must:
- Be unquoted and established in the UK.
- Have fewer than 250 full-time employees.
- Have gross assets under £15 million before the investment.
- Be within 7 years of its first commercial sale (some exceptions apply).
- Carry on a qualifying trade (certain sectors like finance and property are excluded).
We’ll help you assess eligibility and structure your share issue to meet HMRC’s requirements.
Our EIS Services
We offer a full suite of support for EIS share issues:
- Initial eligibility review and strategic advice
- Advance Assurance application to HMRC
- Drafting investor documentation including share certificates
- Post-issue compliance including EIS1 and EIS3 forms
- Ongoing support for future rounds and investor queries
Why Work With Us?
We understand the pressures of fundraising and the importance of getting it right. Our team combines deep tax expertise with startup-savvy insight to make your EIS journey smooth, compliant, and investor-friendly. Whether you’re raising your first round or scaling up, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Ready to issue EIS shares and attract tax-efficient investment?
Contact us today to book a free initial consultation and unlock the benefits of EIS for your business.
