Unlock the Power of Startup Tax Relief
If you’re hunting for cash to turbocharge your business, you’ve probably heard of SEIS and EIS. These government-backed schemes offer investors a powerful set of tax perks—especially the coveted EIS investment tax relief—to make putting money into early-stage companies far less risky. But how do you actually claim those benefits? And what’s the smartest way to get funding in the UK today?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials: from the basics of SEIS and EIS to real-world tips on maximising your returns. We’ll also explore how Oriel IPO’s commission-free platform and educational resources can simplify every step—so neither founders nor investors get lost in red tape. Revolutionising Investment Opportunities in the UK with EIS investment tax relief
What Are SEIS and EIS?
The UK government created two schemes to fuel innovation and job creation:
Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)
- Income tax relief of 50% on investments up to £250,000.
- Capital gains tax (CGT) exemption on gains realized within three years.
- Loss relief: offset net losses against income for further tax reduction.
- Minimum three-year holding period to keep benefits.
Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)
- Income tax relief of 30% on investments up to £1,000,000.
- CGT deferral if you reinvest gains into qualifying EIS shares.
- Loss relief works similarly to SEIS.
- Shares must be held for at least three years.
Both schemes improve liquidity for startups and ease cash flow for founders. And let’s be honest—knowing you can reclaim a chunk of your tax bill makes it easier to convince investors to sign the dotted line.
Key Tax Advantages of EIS Investment Tax Relief
When people talk about EIS investment tax relief, they’re usually eyeing these headline perks:
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Income Tax Relief
Investors can slash their income tax by 30% of the amount they put in. So if you invest £100,000, that’s £30,000 off your tax bill. -
Capital Gains Tax Deferral
Reinvest a capital gain into an EIS-eligible business and defer the tax on that gain until you sell the EIS shares. It’s like pushing the tax bill down the road—sometimes indefinitely. -
CGT Exemption on Disposal
If you hold EIS shares for at least three years, gains on sale are totally tax-free. -
Loss Relief
If things don’t go to plan, you can offset your loss (after income tax relief) against your income tax bill. That can reduce the net cost to 10% of the original investment—pretty neat downside protection.
These benefits combined can bring your effective risk down to remarkably low levels, making the idea of backing early-stage ventures much more palatable.
Why Oriel IPO Makes Sense for SEIS and EIS Investors
Tackling EIS investment tax relief paperwork can feel like scaling Everest in flip-flops. That’s where Oriel IPO steps in:
- Commission-free model: You pay a simple subscription fee, not a percentage of funds raised.
- Curated, vetted opportunities: Only startups that meet strict SEIS/EIS criteria make it onto the platform.
- Educational arsenal: Webinars, guides and expert support explain every twist and turn.
- Transparent process: Track progress, paperwork and investor communications in one place.
Put simply, Oriel IPO removes friction. Instead of chasing “advance assurance” letters and stuck in HMRC loops, you get clear guidance and a steady pipeline of tax-efficient deals.
Comparing Funding Routes for Startups
Beyond SEIS and EIS, founders have options. Let’s compare:
| Funding Type | Tax Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Financing | Director’s loan (no income tax) | Fast access | Limited to personal capital |
| Bank Loan | Interest deductible; loan principal neutral | Predictable repayments | Strict credit checks; collateral |
| Grants & Start-Up Loans | Grants taxable; loans simple liability | Non-repayable (grants) | Grants might restrict expense claims |
| Equity Crowdfunding | Not taxable; can offer SEIS/EIS perks | Large reach | Platform fees; dilution |
| Venture Capital | Share capital (non-taxable) | Large amounts; guidance | Board seats; long exits |
| SEIS/EIS via Oriel IPO | Generous reliefs for investors | Tax-efficient; curated; commission-free | Subscription fee |
By this point you’ve probably spotted the sweet spot: EIS investment tax relief via a trusted, commission-free platform that also safeguards quality.
How to Get Started on Oriel IPO
Ready to dive in? Here’s your checklist:
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Sign Up & Subscribe
Create your account and choose a subscription plan. No hidden fees. -
Browse Curated Deals
View detailed company profiles, financials and tax eligibility info. -
Due Diligence
Use in-platform resources or connect with your accountant. Oriel IPO also offers advance assurance guidance. -
Invest & Claim
Submit your investment and download SEIS/EIS certificates. Use them when filing your tax return to unlock EIS investment tax relief. -
Track & Exit
Follow company updates. When it’s time to sell, the platform streamlines share transfers and CGT calculations.
By following these steps, you lean on Oriel IPO’s framework to handle complexity—so you stay focused on strategy, not paperwork. Explore how our tax-efficient platform empowers you
Practical Tips for Investors and Founders
- Start early: SEIS needs fresh companies under two years old; EIS requires less than seven years trading.
- Get advance assurance: It’s not mandatory but removes a lot of uncertainty.
- Hold shares three years: That’s the golden ticket for maximum tax perks.
- Diversify: Spread investments across multiple SEIS/EIS opportunities to mitigate risk.
- Work with an expert: A tax advisor can optimise your filings and ensure you properly claim EIS investment tax relief.
Testimonials
“Using Oriel IPO’s platform cut my admin in half. I claimed my EIS investment tax relief without a hitch.”
— Sarah Thompson, Angel Investor
“Oriel IPO’s educational webinars gave me the confidence to launch my seed round. The SEIS certificates arrived promptly, and the tax savings made a real difference.”
— Marcus Lee, Tech Founder
“Transparency and zero commission made it a no-brainer. I felt supported from sign-up to share disposal.”
— Aisha Patel, Early-Stage Investor
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Navigating SEIS and EIS can feel overwhelming. But with the right partner—one that champions EIS investment tax relief and streamlines every step—you’ll be equipped to secure funding, delight investors and drive growth. Oriel IPO’s commission-free model, curated opportunities and robust educational tools mean less guesswork and more action.
Ready to maximise your tax savings and back the next wave of UK startups? Start your journey with Oriel IPO today


