The EIS Navigator 110 Ideas for using EIS and VCTs for tax planning with Rakesh Murria of Ascension Ventures
Although we generally focus on the investment aspects of EIS and VCTs, the recent budget brought a renewed spotlight onto the tax benefits. Rakesh Murria, COO of Ascension Ventures, has been looking at how the to use the reliefs in a more sophisticated way than the simple scenarios that generally get discussed. In this episode, he runs through some scenarios for us, illustrating how tax advantaged products can be used to reduce investor tax bills.
In a wide ranging discussion we talk about:
- tax reliefs for EIS, SEIS and VCTs
- how they may help with those with pension assets that were earmarked for inheritance
- mitigating CGT on carried interest (and how they may help when that changes too)
- how to use Business Investment Relief
- how EIS is an alternative to AIM for IHT relief
Rakesh discusses these issues with advisers regularly so has some great insights. Plenty of ideas for both investors and advisers.
00:55 Rakesh introduces himself
01:40 what Ascension does
03:40 summary of EIS and SEIS tax reliefs
06:00 CGT reliefs
12:20 VCT tax reliefs
14:00 Example 1 - addressing changes to pensions
20:00 ways of diversifying
26:30 Example 2 - mitigating CGT on carried interest
30:00 extra example for large earners
32:30 Example 3 - Business Investment Relief
40:00 Example 4 - EIS as an alternative to AIM for IHT relief
49:00 favourite questions
Links
Ascension Ventures - https://www.ascension.vc/
Links to webinar on tax planning - https://youtu.be/jPupRUp51HY?si=WijvDB2tq0ZdxTrT or https://www.ascension.vc/advisers/
Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listen
Suggested books and media
Material World by Ed Conway
Bio
Rakesh Murria
Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Ventures
Rakesh is the COO of Ascension (ascension.vc), where he oversees operations across their tax-efficient and institutional funds. With over 20 years in the technology, media, and telecoms sector, he’s held senior roles like Director of Product at EE, shaping their mobile, broadband, and TV offerings.
He’s also co-founded a FinTech start-up, spearheading its growth and raising £3m in funding, and has spent years advising early-stage tech companies. From corporate boardrooms to start-up hustle, Rakesh brings deep experience and practical insights to scaling businesses and driving innovation.
Disclaimer
The tax planning scenarios provided in this podcast are for information only and only apply in particular circumstances. This can be a complex area and you should speak to a knowledgeable professional before using these in practice.