Free tool · Updated for 2026/27
Check if your startup qualifies for SEIS and EIS
Seven questions, about three minutes. You'll see which scheme looks likely, how much you can still raise under each, and the deadlines that matter. No sign-up.
Uses HMRC's rules for the 2026/27 tax year, including the April 2026 EIS changes.
A likely result
Likely SEIS and EIS, likely EIS only, blockers found, or talk to an adviser. With the reason for each.
Your headroom
How much you can still raise under each scheme, counting what you've raised and any de minimis grants.
Your deadlines
When your SEIS and EIS windows close, the order to issue shares in, and when to file SEIS1 and EIS1.
The rules
SEIS and EIS limits for 2026/27
EIS limits roughly doubled on 6 April 2026. SEIS limits are unchanged. Figures in brackets are for knowledge-intensive companies.
| Rule | SEIS | EIS |
|---|---|---|
| How much the company can raise | £250,000 in total, including de minimis state aid from the last 3 years | £10m in any 12 months (£20m); £24m lifetime (£40m) |
| Gross assets | Up to £350,000 when the shares are issued | Up to £30m before the issue and £35m after |
| Employees | Fewer than 25 full-time equivalents | Fewer than 250 (500) |
| Company age | Trade started no more than 3 years before the shares are issued | First commercial sale within 7 years (10), with exceptions for follow-on rounds and new markets |
| Earlier investment | No earlier EIS or VCT investment | SEIS first is fine |
| Spending the money | Within 3 years of the share issue | Within 2 years of the share issue |
| Investor relief | 50% income tax relief on up to £200,000 a year | 30% income tax relief on up to £1m a year (£2m if the excess goes into knowledge-intensive companies) |
| Holding period | 3 years | 3 years |
Both schemes also need a UK company that isn't listed or controlled by another company, a qualifying trade, ordinary shares with no preferential rights, and a genuine risk to investors' capital.
Questions
SEIS and EIS, answered
What changed for EIS in April 2026?
The company limits roughly doubled from 6 April 2026: £10m a year and £24m lifetime (£20m and £40m for knowledge-intensive companies), and gross assets up to £30m before and £35m after the issue. SEIS limits are unchanged.
Can I use SEIS and EIS in the same round?
Yes, as long as the SEIS shares are issued at least a day before the EIS shares. Once you've issued EIS shares, SEIS is closed to the company.
Do I need advance assurance?
It isn't a legal requirement, but most investors ask for it. It's HMRC's view that your company is likely to qualify, given before you issue shares.
What counts as a knowledge-intensive company?
One that spends a high share of its operating costs on R&D or innovation, and either creates its own IP or employs enough skilled researchers. It unlocks EIS's higher limits: £20m a year, £40m lifetime, up to 500 employees and 10 years from your first sale.
Is this checker free, and do I need to sign up?
It's free and there's no sign-up. Your answers stay in your browser and aren't sent anywhere. The result is indicative: only HMRC can confirm eligibility, through advance assurance.
Already on RoundRaise?
Your cap table runs this check as you raise. It also flags investors who'd be “connected” (over 30%) and preferential rights on the shares you're issuing, which a public checker can't see.
This is an indicative check based on your answers and HMRC's published rules for the 2026/27tax year. It isn't tax advice, and only HMRC can confirm eligibility, through advance assurance.