Sapphire Capital Partners says UK Budget preserves SEIS, EIS tax reliefs for early-stage investors
EWU•Britain’s Budget 2026 kept EIS income tax relief at 30% and SEIS relief at 50%. Founders’ Relief is proposed at 10% on qualifying gains up to £10 million from April 6, 2027, while eligibility for significant early investors remains under consultation.
1. Reliefs remain unchanged
Sapphire Capital Partners said Britain’s Budget 2026 left EIS income tax relief at 30% and SEIS relief at 50%. Proposed Founders’ Relief would tax qualifying share disposals at 10% on lifetime gains up to £10 million from April 6, 2027, but eligibility for significant early investors remains subject to consultation.
2. Other budget measures
The lifetime limit for Business Asset Disposal Relief falls from £1 million to £500,000 from April 6, 2027, while its 18% rate remains unchanged. An additional £20.4 billion for the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank could support follow-on financing for early-stage companies.
