Specialist R&D Tax Credit Claims for UK Businesses
Independent guidance on R&D tax relief eligibility, qualifying costs, and the HMRC claim process for UK limited companies. Understand whether your work qualifies, what you can claim, and how R&D tax credits are assessed by HMRC.
What Are R&D Tax Credits?
R&D tax credits are a UK government incentive designed to support companies that invest in innovation. A claim may be available where a business has worked to resolve scientific or technological uncertainty while developing or improving products, processes, or software.
Who Can Qualify for R&D Tax Relief?
Eligibility is assessed based on the nature of the work carried out, not the size of the company or the industry label.
Routine work or the simple application of existing knowledge does not qualify.
How HMRC Assesses R&D Claims
HMRC defines R&D by reference to whether a competent professional in the field could easily resolve the problem using existing knowledge. If the solution was not readily available and required analysis, testing, or experimentation, the work may fall within the scope of the scheme.
What Costs Can Be Included?
Common qualifying cost categories include:
- Staff salaries, employer NICs, and pension contributions
- Externally Provided Workers under agency arrangements
- Subcontractor costs (subject to HMRC limits)
- Software licences used directly in R&D
- Consumable items used during testing or prototyping
Costs must relate directly to qualifying R&D activity and be supported by evidence.
How the R&D Tax Credit Claim Process Works
- Identify qualifying projects and periods of uncertainty
- Prepare a technical explanation aligned with HMRC guidance
- Calculate qualifying expenditure
- Submit the claim as part of the company tax return
- Respond to any HMRC queries, if raised
A well-prepared claim reduces the likelihood of delay or enquiry.
R&D Tax Credits by Industry
- R&D tax credits for software companies
- R&D tax relief for fintech businesses
- R&D tax credits for manufacturing
- R&D tax relief for engineering firms
- R&D tax credits for construction
Independent Guidance on R&D Tax Relief
We provides independent information on R&D tax credits and how claims are assessed in practice. Where appropriate, businesses may be introduced to regulated R&D tax advisers who can assist with claim preparation and submission.
Check Whether Your Work May Qualify
If your business has undertaken technical or software development work in the last two accounting periods, you may be eligible for R&D tax relief.
Some more resources and guides:
- How R&D Tax Credits Work
- Check Your Eligibility
- R&D Tax Credit Claim Process
- R&D Tax Credits Across Industries
HMRC and R&D Tax Relief: A Complete Guide for UK Businesses
R&D Tax Relief for TV and Film: How Innovation Gets Funded in the UK
The Link Between R&D Tax Relief and Business Growth
Planning Client Finances With R&D Tax Relief
Integrating R&D Tax Credits into Cash Flow Planning for Business Success
How R&D Tax Relief Supports Financial Risk Management in the UK
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