Many Early Stage Innovation Companies (ESICs) face stiff competition for investor capital. In response, and as part of the Science and Innovation Agenda, the Australian Government introduced the ESIC measures to incentivise investment in such companies.

ESIC regime – What is it and why is it so attractive?

The ESIC regime provides both short and long-term tax incentives to investors who acquire shares directly from ESICs, assisting in the funding of those companies.  

Short Term Incentives

• Non-refundable - 20% tax offset for total annual investment in eligible ESIC (subject to thresholds which apply at different rates for “sophisticated” and “non-sophisticated” investors)
  

Long Term Incentive

• Capital gains tax exemption for ESIC shares held for at least 12 months and less than 10 years (i.e. no capital gains tax if sold for a gain during this period). 
• For ESIC shares that are held for a period greater than 10 years, an uplift in the tax cost base of the shares to the market value of the shares 10 years after acquisition.

How do you know if your company is ESIC eligible?

To be an eligible ESIC a company broadly needs to be an innovative company in its early stages with high-growth potential, a geographically broad offering and the ability to scale-up.

The tests to determine this are outlined below:

Early stage test

This test identifies whether or not a company is in its ‘early stages’. This is evidenced by a company’s previous year’s income and expenses, along with its date of incorporation or registration. The criteria can be found here.

Innovation test (only need to satisfy one)

• 100-point test (objective) – To pass the 100-point test, a company is required to accumulate at least 100 points based on specific criteria determined to be indicative of an innovative company. Refer to this table provided by the ATO to determine whether your company is able to satisfy the specific criteria and accumulate at least 100-points; or
• Principles-based test (subjective) – This test identifies if a company is developing a new or significantly improved innovation (product, process, service) to be commercialised (i.e. to generate income) and has high-growth potential with the ability to scale across a broad market. Due to the subjectivity in applying this test, it is good practice (and our recommendation) to obtain a Private Binding Ruling (PBR) from the ATO to confirm eligibility.

Our experience

We have undertaken a significant number of ESIC reviews for companies both under the principles-based test and the 100-point test. Some of our key findings to date are as follows:

• The ATO is well aware that some companies implement contrived ‘schemes’ designed to enable them to be an eligible ESIC.
• The ATO is keen to engage proactively with companies to determine their eligibility, particularly when companies engage under the PBR program.
• Investors are demanding evidence from ESICs about how they have determined their eligibility.
• The ATO views the ESIC measures as strictly applicable for companies ‘developing’ new or improved products, processes or, services and is alert to companies that have already developed their product, process or, service.

Depending on your specific circumstance we offer two options to help a company determine if they are an ESIC:

1. Review Option: We can provide you a tailored template to assist with your documentation for support (generally a PBR application), review the document and manage correspondence with the ATO where required; or
2. Preparation Option: We draft the support document, liaise with the ATO (where required) and submit the PBR on your behalf (where required).

We have contacts across Australia – so feel free to reach out to your local team lead.