Social investment tax relief extended

The social investment tax relief was due to close on 5 April 2021. However, following a government consultation it has been extended. What's happening with it?

Social investment tax relief (SITR) offers private investors an incentive to fund qualifying "social enterprises", either via a subscription for shares or by making a loan to the entity. A social enterprise is defined as any of the following:

  • a community interest company;
  • a community benefit society that is not a charity;
  • a charity; or
  • an accredited social impact contractor.

For SITR purposes, a charity can have the legal form of either a company or a trust.

The reliefs are broadly modelled on the Enterprise Investment Scheme, and were due to end after 5 April 2021. However, following consultation, the government has extended the end date to 5 April 2023 instead.

Guidance on the scheme is available here.

Social investment tax relief extended