SEIS/EIS advance assurance checker
The #1 thing investors ask for. Answer 8 quick questions to see if your UK company qualifies — then get your HMRC cover letter and business-activity summary drafted instantly.
Is your company UK-based and independent?
A permanent establishment in the UK, and not a 51%+ subsidiary of another company.
SEIS vs EIS: the qualifying limits at a glance
| Condition | SEIS | EIS |
|---|---|---|
| Income-tax relief for investors | 50% | 30% |
| Max trading age | < 3 years | < 7 years |
| Gross assets (before) | £350,000 | £30m |
| Employees (FTE) | < 25 | < 250 |
| Company raise limit | £250,000 lifetime | £10m / year |
Based on HMRC's published qualifying conditions (post-April-2023 SEIS limits). Knowledge-intensive companies get wider EIS limits. Not tax advice.
Questions founders ask
What is SEIS/EIS advance assurance?+
Advance assurance is provisional confirmation from HMRC that an investment in your company is likely to qualify for SEIS or EIS tax relief. It's the single most common thing UK angel investors ask for before they commit, because it de-risks their investment.
Do I need advance assurance to raise SEIS or EIS?+
It isn't legally required, but in practice most investors won't proceed without it. Having advance assurance in hand makes your round far easier to close and signals you've done the groundwork.
Does my company qualify for SEIS?+
Broadly, your company qualifies for SEIS if it has a UK permanent establishment, a new qualifying trade under 3 years old, gross assets under £350,000, fewer than 25 full-time employees, hasn't raised more than £250,000 under SEIS, and isn't carrying on an excluded trade. This tool checks all of these instantly.
What's the difference between SEIS and EIS?+
SEIS is for the earliest stage — younger, smaller companies — and gives investors 50% income-tax relief. EIS is for slightly later companies (trade under 7 years, gross assets under £30m, under 250 employees) and gives 30% relief. Many founders raise SEIS first, then EIS for the rest of the round.
Which trades are excluded from SEIS and EIS?+
HMRC excludes companies where more than 20% of the trade is in activities such as dealing in land or financial instruments, banking and other financial activities, leasing, legal or accountancy services, property development, farming, running hotels or care homes, energy generation, and a few others. The tool lists them all.
Is this tool tax advice?+
No. It's a free readiness check based on HMRC's published qualifying conditions, and the drafted letter is a starting point you should review. Advance assurance is ultimately HMRC's decision, and you may wish to confirm details with an accountant.