HMRC Negligible Value Claim Calculator
Calculate the capital loss available from an HMRC negligible value claim on worthless shares, bonds, or other assets. Model back-dated claims and loss relief options.
Negligible Value Claim Calculator
If shares or other assets become worthless, you can make an HMRC negligible value claim to treat them as disposed of at £0, crystallising a capital loss without actually selling. Backdated claims up to 2 years are allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a negligible value claim?
A negligible value (NV) claim is a formal election to HMRC to treat a capital asset as having been sold and reacquired at nil value when the asset has become of negligible value. This creates a capital loss without an actual disposal — useful when shares in a failed company cannot be sold.
What assets can be subject to a negligible value claim?
Any capital asset can be subject to an NV claim if its value has fallen to negligible levels: shares in insolvent companies, EIS/SEIS investments in failed businesses, debt claims, options, and other chargeable assets. HMRC publishes a list of shares agreed to be of negligible value.
Can I backdate a negligible value claim?
Yes. HMRC allows backdating by up to 2 years. For example, a claim made in the 2025-26 tax year can be backdated to 2023-24 or 2024-25. Backdating can be valuable if you had gains in a prior year that the loss could have offset, and you may be entitled to a repayment of tax.
What is section 131 income tax loss relief?
If shares in an unquoted trading company become worthless and you are an employee or director, the capital loss can sometimes be set against income (not just capital gains) under ITA 2007 s.64. This gives relief at your marginal income tax rate (40-45%) rather than the CGT rate (18-24%) — significantly more valuable.
How do I make a negligible value claim?
Write to HMRC (via self-assessment return or separately) identifying the asset, stating it has become of negligible value, and specifying the date of deemed disposal. For listed shares, HMRC's Shares and Assets Valuation team publishes agreed NV dates. Keep evidence of the asset's worthlessness.
Does HMRC's approved list of negligible value shares help?
Yes. HMRC publishes a list of quoted securities they have agreed are of negligible value, with agreed dates. If your shares are on this list, you can use the agreed date for your claim without needing to negotiate with HMRC separately. Check the latest list on gov.uk.
Can negligible value claims be made for EIS/SEIS investments?
Yes. If a company in which you made an EIS or SEIS investment fails, a negligible value claim crystallises a capital loss. However, any EIS/SEIS income tax relief already received reduces the CGT base cost — the loss is net of relief already claimed.
What if the company enters administration rather than going completely insolvent?
A company can be in administration and still have residual value — NV claims cannot be made until shares are truly of negligible value. However, if the administrator confirms no value will be returned to ordinary shareholders, you can typically make the claim at that point.