
What Is the Use of Funds Test (SEIS/EIS)?
The use of funds test is the SEIS/EIS rule requiring companies to spend investment money on qualifying growth activities within HMRC’s specified timeframe.
Use of Funds Test (SEIS/EIS) Meaning
The use of funds test meaning centres on ensuring SEIS/EIS capital drives genuine commercial growth. To define the use of funds test in practice, companies must apply SEIS/EIS investment toward activities such as product development, hiring, marketing, R&D or scaling operations, never for acquiring shares, repaying loans, or providing investor guarantees. HMRC also requires that these funds be deployed within a set period (usually two years) to maintain eligibility. A clear use of funds test definition matters because misuse or delays can invalidate tax relief for investors. The use of funds test stands for purposeful, compliant and growth-focused capital deployment.
Learn more about SEIS/EIS rules at UndoCapital.
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