What Happens (to your EIS/SEIS investments) When You Die?

By
Jessica Fox
By
Haatch
January 15, 2026
As an investor, you naturally focus on capital growth and securing tax reliefs. However, for many, the ultimate measure of successful estate planning is the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved ones will not be burdened with excessive administration during an already difficult time. At Haatch, we understand this priority completely. We have established a clear and empathetic process to ensure the transition of your EIS and SEIS investments is as seamless as possible for your next of kin.

The Tax Advantage: Business Property Relief (BPR)
A key benefit of EIS and SEIS investments is the potential for Business Property Relief (BPR), provided the shares have been held for at least two years at the time of death.

This relief is an essential component of wealth planning, and its scope has recently been clarified and expanded. The limit for assets qualifying for BPR, which includes EIS and SEIS investments, has been confirmed at £2.5 million. This update, effective from April 2026, marks a significant increase on the previously discussed cap and provides clarity for investors when structuring their estates. It is a welcome reassurance that these growth-focused investments remain a powerful tool for intergenerational wealth transfer.

For full details on this change, please refer to the official government announcement from the 23rd of December: Inheritance Tax Reliefs Threshold to Rise to £2.5m.

Haatch’s Simple, Established Process
When it comes to handling your estate, the last thing your family or executors need is complicated procedures and confusing financial jargon. Our process is designed with simplicity and minimal stress as the guiding principles.

Upon notification of an investor's passing, our team moves swiftly to secure their assets. We immediately freeze the account, halting any pending transactions, and inform our compliance team. We then request the necessary legal documents, the Death Certificate and Grant of Probate, to confirm the authority of the executors. Crucially, we also provide a formal valuation of the investment portfolio as at the date of death to assist the executors with their duties.

Once we have received the Grant of Probate, we handle everything directly with the Executors and our platform partners. This includes managing the necessary application forms and letters of instruction. We oversee the transfer of holdings and subscription to the beneficiary on your behalf, ensuring the process is handled efficiently on our side and reducing the administrative burden on your loved ones. In parallel, we manage all necessary administrative tasks, such as disabling email access and removing the investor from mailing lists.

Our goal is simple: to make a difficult time less challenging by ensuring a professional, established, and low-stress transition of your EIS and SEIS investments. This proactive approach, which is regularly reviewed and confirmed with partners and HMRC on matters such as valuation methodology, is part of our commitment to you and your family.

If you are considering EIS or SEIS investments within your wider financial planning and would like to discuss the available information, you can request further details here and the team will be in touch.

Request More Info
By
Jessica Fox
Head of Investor Relations
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