SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) Advice
We help early-stage Cardiff businesses secure SEIS funding and guide investors through the tax reliefs that make backing local startups more attractive. With nearly ten years supporting South Wales entrepreneurs, we take care of eligibility checks, HMRC advance assurance, and compliance so you can focus on growth.
What we cover under SEIS
From initial eligibility assessments through to three-year compliance monitoring, we handle every stage of the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme process for businesses raising capital and investors claiming relief.
Eligibility Assessment
We confirm whether your startup meets the trading period, employee, and asset tests before you approach investors.
HMRC Advance Assurance
We prepare and submit your application for advance assurance, giving investors confidence before they commit funds.
Compliance Certificates
We issue the compliance statements investors need to claim their tax reliefs and monitor your three-year qualifying period.
Investor Tax Planning
We show investors exactly how to claim income tax relief, capital gains exemptions, and inheritance tax benefits.
How SEIS advice works
The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme offers some of the most generous tax incentives in the UK, but only if your company and your investors meet strict HMRC criteria. We start by reviewing your business against the eligibility rules: fewer than 25 employees, gross assets under £350,000, trading for less than three years, and raising no more than £250,000 in total. Once we confirm you qualify, we prepare your advance assurance application so investors have written confirmation from HMRC before they put money in.
We take the guesswork out of SEIS compliance so you can raise capital with confidence.
After the investment closes, we issue compliance certificates that allow your investors to claim 50% income tax relief on up to £200,000 invested, plus capital gains tax exemptions and reinvestment relief. We then monitor your company through the three-year qualifying period, making sure you stay onside with the trading and asset disposal rules. If circumstances change, we flag issues early and help you protect your investors' reliefs.
More information
Cardiff's startup scene has grown steadily over the past decade, and we have worked with founders across tech, creative industries, and professional services who have used SEIS to get their first serious funding round over the line. We also advise high-net-worth individuals in South Wales looking to back local businesses while reducing their tax bills. Whether you are a founder preparing to pitch or an investor weighing up a SEIS opportunity, we explain the rules in plain English and handle the paperwork.
What happens if something goes wrong
SEIS reliefs can be withdrawn if your company breaches the qualifying conditions during the three-year period, such as ceasing to trade, exceeding the asset limit, or making a disqualifying payment. We build compliance checks into our service and keep you informed of any changes to the scheme. If you are considering follow-on funding, we also advise on transitioning to the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) once you outgrow SEIS limits.
The process typically takes four to six weeks from our initial eligibility review to receiving HMRC advance assurance, though timelines depend on the complexity of your business and how quickly HMRC responds. We stay in touch throughout and keep you updated at every stage. Once funding is in place, we are here for the long term to make sure your investors keep the reliefs they were promised.
Worth considering
HMRC Enquiry & Investigation Support
Support with HMRC enquiries and investigations, from the first letter to the final outcome. We organise records, manage deadlines, and deal with HMRC on your behalf.
HMRC Enquiry & Investigation Support→Business Tax Planning
Plan ahead for Corporation Tax or Self Assessment, forecast what you will owe, and use allowances, expenses and profit extraction sensibly.
Business Tax Planning→R&D Tax Credits
Claim R&D Tax Credits without the stress. We confirm eligibility, calculate qualifying costs, write the supporting report, and submit the claim with your Corporation Tax return.
R&D Tax Credits→Corporation Tax Planning
Get a clear estimate of your company’s corporation tax, plan director pay and spending, and avoid nasty surprises at year end with practical, plain-English advice.
Corporation Tax Planning→Corporation Tax Returns
CT600 and iXBRL preparation and filing for limited companies, with clear tax calculations, allowance checks, and deadline tracking so you stay compliant and avoid surprises.
Corporation Tax Returns→Before you apply
These answers cover the most common questions we hear from Cardiff startups and investors exploring SEIS.
How do I know if my startup qualifies for SEIS?
What tax reliefs do SEIS investors get?
How long does HMRC advance assurance take?
What happens during the three-year compliance period?
Can I raise more money after SEIS?
Do you advise investors as well as companies?
What are your fees for SEIS advice?
What counts as a disqualifying event?
Let's talk about your SEIS plans
Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through eligibility, timelines, and what we can do to help.
Book a free consultation