What is Advance Assurance?
Advance Assurance (AA) is pre-approval from HMRC confirming that a planned fundraise will qualify for SEIS or EIS tax relief. Investors widely expect it before committing capital, even though it is not legally required.
Carta's automated flow handles the preparation: it auto-fills data Carta already holds, uses AI to draft key sections of the application letter, and packages everything into a single downloadable file. You submit it directly to HMRC.
Who can use Advance Assurance?
Advance Assurance is available to UK Launch customers and above. You can apply for SEIS only, EIS only, or SEIS and EIS combined.
What documents do I need?
Gather these documents before starting your application. Carta auto-fills your shareholder register and articles of association from data it already holds.
Document | Notes |
Shareholder register | Auto-filled from Carta |
Business plan or pitch deck | Required |
Financial forecast | Upload as .xlsx for best results |
Bank statement | Required |
Articles of association | Auto-filled from Carta |
What happens after I submit to HMRC?
HMRC typically responds within 4 to 8 weeks of receiving your application.
Once you receive their decision, go to Fundraising in Carta Web and mark Advance Assurance as completed to update your records.
What are SEIS and EIS?
SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) gives investors 50% income tax relief on investments in very early-stage companies.
EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) gives investors 30% income tax relief on investments in small to medium-sized growing companies.
For eligibility criteria, see the HMRC guidance pages: