Accessibility links

VCT, EIS & SEIS compared

An at-a-glance comparison of tax efficient schemes.

At Chancellers we can advise individuals in the Hitchin area on a range of tax-saving opportunities. The following article compares Venture Capital Trusts, the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.

The reliefs for Venture Capital Trusts (VCT), the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) are similar in many respects, but there are some significant differences. The table below highlights the main reliefs. For further details see the factsheets for each type of investment.

  VCT EIS SEIS
Annual investment limit £200,000 £1 million * £200,000
Income tax relief for subscribers 30% 30% 50%
Clawback if held for less than 5 years 3 years 3 years
Reinvestment relief period
– before gain made N/A 1 year Same tax year
– after gain made N/A 3 years  
Tax free dividends? Yes No No
Tax free capital gains? Yes Yes (after 3 years) Yes (after 3 years)
Tax relief for losses? No Yes Yes
IHT business property relief? No Yes Yes

* This is increased to £2 million provided that anything above £1 million is invested in knowledge-intensive companies. There is no limit on CGT deferral for EIS.

For more information on Venture Capital Trusts, the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme, individuals in the Hitchin area should contact Chancellers.

Do you have any questions for us?

Simply get in touch and the relevant team member will get back to you asap.

Contact us

Latest News

01 May 2025

New cryptoasset rules aim to protect consumers

The government is introducing legislation to regulate cryptoassets and improve consumer protection for the asset class.

30 Apr 2025

Lack of trust and board expertise putting brakes on AI adoption

A lack of trust and a shortage of expertise at board level are limiting the adoption of AI in UK businesses, according to research from the Institute of Directors (IoD).