The substantial shareholdings exemption (SSE) provides a complete exemption from the liability to corporation tax on the gains generated from qualifying disposals of shares and interests in shares by qualifying companies. No claim is required. Provided the conditions for SSE are met, it applies automatically. Conversely, if losses are generated by the disposal and the SSE conditions are met, the losses are not allowable. There is no ability to disclaim the exemption (for example, where it would be advantageous to claim a loss).

The exemption is aimed at disposals of investments by companies in trading companies, groups and subgroups.

Ensuring the conditions for SSE are met is extremely important in disposals of qualifying companies. The rules are complex and, in particular, HMRC will often scrutinise the activities of the company / group / sub-group disposed of to establish whether the trading activity tests are met.

This is a high-risk area of tax work and only suitably experienced tax practitioners should sign off on SSE issues.

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