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UK FTT upholds HMRC withdrawal of EIS relief: 'purpose of issue' and trading requirements not met; no deemed group trade; compliance certificates not conclusive (York SD Ltd v HMRC)

Published on: 30 July 2025

Published by a LexisNexis Tax expert
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York SD Ltd and others v HMRC [2025] UKFTT 877 (TC)

The EIS encourages backing for early‑stage companies by enabling investors to claim substantial income tax and capital gains tax reliefs. As a result, the qualifying rules are tightly drawn. Investors cannot obtain relief without HMRC’s authorisation, given by way of a compliance certificate issued to the company. To secure that certificate, the company must file a compliance statement with HMRC, supported by information and declarations. Even once EIS authorisation is granted, HMRC may later withdraw relief and reclaim any related tax from investors in specified circumstances. This case arose from HMRC’s decision to remove relief from investors in six UK companies set up to trade in solar electricity generation in Spain and Portugal through local subsidiaries. The UK companies were incorporated in 2015, and the relevant shares were issued in late 2015 and early 2016. However, the subsidiaries did not commence operations until 2018 or later. In the meantime, the UK companies installed rooftop solar panels on UK residential properties...

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