SEIS/EIS Eligibility Checker
Check if your company qualifies for the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme or Enterprise Investment Scheme.
Updated for 2025/26 tax year
Your Company Details
From incorporation or first commercial sale
Total assets on your balance sheet before liabilities
Full-time equivalent employees
R&D-heavy or IP-creating business
Results
Fill in your details and click Check Eligibility
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How the SEIS/EIS Eligibility Checker Works
This tool evaluates your company against the core eligibility criteria for both SEIS and EIS. The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and Enterprise Investment Scheme have specific requirements around company age, gross assets, employee count, and trade type.
Key Eligibility Criteria
For SEIS, your company must be under 3 years old, have gross assets below 350,000, and fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. The lifetime SEIS fundraising limit is 250,000.
For EIS, the limits are more generous: under 7 years old (10 for knowledge-intensive companies), gross assets below 15 million, fewer than 250 employees, and a lifetime limit of 12 million (20 million for knowledge-intensive companies).
Important Limitations
This checker provides a preliminary assessment only. The actual eligibility depends on many factors that require detailed review, including the specific nature of your trade, your corporate structure, connected persons, and prior fundraising history. Always seek professional advice and apply for Advance Assurance from HMRC before issuing shares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SEIS/EIS eligibility
What is the SEIS/EIS eligibility checker?
This free tool helps UK startup founders quickly assess whether their company is likely to qualify for SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) or EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) tax relief. It checks your company against the key requirements including age, assets, employees, and trade type.
Is this eligibility check the same as Advance Assurance from HMRC?
No. This tool provides a preliminary self-assessment based on the main eligibility criteria. Only HMRC can formally confirm eligibility through the Advance Assurance process. We strongly recommend applying for Advance Assurance before issuing shares to investors.
Can my company qualify for both SEIS and EIS?
Yes. Many companies raise SEIS funding first (up to 250,000 lifetime) and then move on to EIS. However, you must issue all SEIS shares before any EIS shares, and at least 70% of SEIS funds must be spent before raising EIS investment.
What counts as gross assets for SEIS/EIS purposes?
Gross assets include everything on your balance sheet at book value before any deductions for liabilities. This includes cash, equipment, inventory, intellectual property, and any other assets. For SEIS, the limit is 350,000 at the time of share issue. For EIS, it is 15 million before investment.
My company does software consulting. Does it qualify?
Most technology and software companies qualify, including those offering consulting services related to their software. However, pure professional services firms (like accountancy or legal practices) are excluded. If your consulting is tied to a technology product you develop, you are likely to qualify. Apply for Advance Assurance to confirm.