EIS deferral relief

Capital gains tax arising on the disposal of any type of asset can be deferred by a subscription for EIS shares. To qualify for the relief the investment must be made during a period covering one year before the gain arose and three years thereafter.

The tax on any gain deferred in this way only becomes due on the subsequent disposal of the EIS shares or if the investor ceases to be UK resident within three years of issue of the shares. However, the gain can be deferred again by using the sale proceeds to make another EIS subscription.

There is no limit on the amount that can be invested in EIS shares but only the first £1,000,000 investment in a tax year will be entitled to income tax relief at up to 30% (for 2017-18).