VCTs and EIS

VCTs, EIS, and SEIS were introduced by Government to encourage investment in small, unquoted enterprises and help such businesses raise capital. The appeal of SEIS is narrow and not detailed here. Many clients are faced by a reduction in the availability of tax relief for pensions, together with Inheritance Tax concerns and may wish to considering the use of EIS or VCT investments as part of their planning.

Venture Capital Trust (VCT)

A Venture Capital Trust is a listed company whose aim is to profit by investing in other companies which tend to be small enterprises seeking capital to develop their business. You can subscribe for new shares at launch or by buying shares when the trust has been established.

You are given tax relief to encourage you to invest in these small, high risk businesses and by pooling your investments with those of other customers a VCTs allow you to spread the risk over a number of enterprises.

Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) aims to help smaller companies to raise capital and provides generous tax reliefs.

Inevitably, VCTs and EIS are high risk investments and the value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invested