Your Fast-Track to Hassle-Free SEIS EIS Compliance
Getting your SEIS EIS compliance nailed down can feel like decoding a puzzle. You’ve secured investments, but now HMRC needs proof. SEIS3 and EIS3 certificates are on your investors’ to-do lists, and you want them signed, sealed, and delivered—fast. In this guide, we walk you through each crucial step, from closing your round to issuing compliant certificates in just a few clicks.
We’ll cover the must-have documents, timelines, and HMRC rules—no jargon, just clear actions. And if you’re ready to bypass the paperwork mountain, discover how Revolutionizing Investment Opportunities in the UK with SEIS EIS compliance can automate the entire process.
Understanding SEIS & EIS: The Fundamentals
What Are SEIS and EIS?
- SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) allows investors to claim up to 50% income tax relief on first-time ventures.
- EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) offers up to 30% relief on larger funding rounds.
- Both schemes aim to fuel UK startups but hinge on strict compliance deadlines.
Why Compliance Matters
Missing a detail or missing a deadline means investors can’t claim tax relief—frustration all round. Proper SEIS EIS compliance isn’t just box-ticking. It shows HMRC you’ve met trading requirements, asset thresholds and spent funds correctly. Get it right, and your investors will thank you with renewed confidence (and word-of-mouth).
Preparing for Your Compliance Application
Step 1: Secure Advance Assurance
Before raising funds, you should apply for Advance Assurance from HMRC. This lets investors know they’ll qualify for relief once you issue shares. It’s optional, but it’s your green light. If you haven’t got it yet, don’t panic—you can still apply for compliance after trading conditions are met.
Step 2: Meet Trading & Expenditure Rules
- SEIS: You must have traded for at least 4 months or spent 70% of the SEIS funds.
- EIS: At least 4 months of trading or R&D leading to trade.
- Gross assets before issue: under £200k (SEIS) or under £15m (EIS).
- Employee headcount: be mindful, directors and founders count too.
Oriel IPO’s Step-by-Step Certificate Guide
Oriel IPO’s online investment marketplace doesn’t just connect you with angel backers—it streamlines compliance. Here’s how you can issue SEIS3 and EIS3 certificates in record time:
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Close Your Funding Round
– Finalise investments on your preferred crowdfunding platform or directly via Oriel IPO.
– Issue share certificates to investors as soon as funds clear. -
Gather Key Company Data
– UTR, Companies House number and incorporation date.
– PAYE reference (if applicable).
– Articles of Association version at share issue. -
Enter Details in Your Oriel IPO Dashboard
– Head to the Compliance section and select “Create SEIS/EIS Application.”
– Auto-populated fields (address, registration details) save you time.
– Answer quick questions on trading status, previous funding (de minimis aid, SITR), and intended use of funds. -
Upload Supporting Documents
– Pitch deck and three years’ financial projections (if no Advance Assurance).
– Updated Articles of Association if you changed them during fundraising.
– Any evidence of trading activities or commercial sales. -
Appoint Oriel IPO as Agent
– Generate the Agent Authorisation Form.
– Sign electronically to let us handle HMRC submission on your behalf. -
Submit & Monitor
– Hit submit and relax—we’ll review, fine-tune, then send to HMRC.
– Once HMRC issues your Unique Investment Reference (UIR), we’ll update your dashboard.
– Directors sign SEIS3/EIS3 certificates. You can then download and email them directly to investors.
Halfway through? Save even more time by choosing Simplify SEIS EIS compliance with Oriel IPO—no more manual uploads or repeated data entry.
Tips to Speed Up Approval
- Double-check your trading or R&D start dates. A typo can trigger delays.
- Ensure your gross assets and employee counts are accurate on the snapshot date.
- If you pivoted after Advance Assurance, attach an updated pitch deck highlighting the change.
- Use Oriel IPO’s reminders and progress tracker so you never miss a deadline.
What Founders Say
“We closed our SEIS round in days, not weeks. Oriel IPO’s compliance tool walked us through each form. The dashboard auto-filled most details, saving hours of admin.”
— Dan Robinson, Co-founder of GreenTech Labs
“I was dreading HMRC paperwork. With Oriel IPO, I simply uploaded our docs and they handled the rest. My investors had certificates in their inboxes within 48 hours of approval.”
— Aisha Patel, CEO of HealthSync
“Commission-free and crystal clear. The platform’s guided questions meant no surprises. Great support from the team whenever I had a query.”
— Marcus Lee, CTO of EduWave
Ready to Simplify Your Compliance?
Stop wrestling with forms and deadlines. Issue SEIS3 and EIS3 certificates quickly, accurately, and without hidden fees. Take control of your SEIS EIS compliance journey today with Oriel IPO’s intuitive platform.
