You’ve probably had investors asking you if you’re an Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) company, if you’re a knowledge intensive company, or if you’re EIS eligible. They might have even asked you about the EIS tax relief claiming process and when you issue EIS3 certificates.

We’ll help you answer all these questions below, as well as providing a checklist on the steps for companies looking to raise using the (EIS).

Getting started with EIS

Before you raise:

1. Check your company qualifies for EIS. You can view the EIS eligibility criteria here. You can also apply for EIS advance assurance through HMRC to get a provisional indication of whether you''re eligible, which can be done here.

2. Check whether your company is considered a ‘knowledge intensive’ company and whether you should apply on this basis using the guidance here. Knowledge intensive companies are able to raise beyond the normal limits, and their investors have a higher ceiling for EIS investment.

3. If you believe you qualify, you can apply for EIS advance assurance through HMRC here. While not required, this can help to reduce the paperwork for EIS applications.

While you are raising:

1. Be sure to let investors know that you are EIS eligible.

2. Share details about EIS and the benefits for investors for any who are not familiar with the scheme. We’ve created pages with this information aimed at investors.

After you raise

1. To apply for EIS, complete a compliance statement (EIS1) form and send it to HMRC along with all required information. You''ll find full details of what HMRC requires here.

2. Once approved, complete EIS3 certificates for investors.

3. Distribute EIS3 certificates to investors. If you’re part of SyndicateRoom’s portfolio, EIS3’s will also be made available to investors via their Investor Dashboard.

4. Assist your investors with making their tax relief claim by sharing our step-by-step guide.

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