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Initial Assessment
Our Chartered Tax Advisors and R&D Technical Specialists assess your business activities to determine eligibility. We explain the full claims process and ensure a smooth, efficient approach for you and your team.
R&D Tax Relief Experts Helping UK Businesses Reclaim Innovation Costs
Our streamlined process ensures maximum claiming efficiency, with minimal disruption to your business. Get in touch today to determine whether you qualify.
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What is R&D tax relief?
R&D tax relief rewards your innovation with a cash benefit of up to 27% of any qualifying expenditure identified.
Who qualifies for R&D tax credits?
Companies that are subject to UK Corporation Tax may qualify for R&D Tax Relief if they are undertaking projects that aim to achieve an advance in science or technology and involve overcoming scientific or technological uncertainty. Many businesses across sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, software development, construction, life sciences and food production carry out eligible activities. Both profitable and loss-making companies can claim under the relevant scheme, meaning the relief may reduce a Corporation Tax liability or, result in a payable cash credit.
What projects are eligible?
Many businesses across sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, software development, construction, life sciences, and food production carry out eligible activities. If your company is developing new products, processes, services, or appreciably improving existing ones and the solution is not readily deducible by a competent professional in the field, your work may meet HMRC’s criteria.
Which R&D scheme applies to you?
Depending on your company size, the type of R&D you carry out and your accounting period, there are three core approaches to claiming R&D tax relief in the UK. We’ll evaluate and advise on the most suitable option for your business.
Merged Scheme
For accounting periods beginning on or after 1st April 2024, companies of all sizes can claim under this scheme. Enabling businesses to claim up to 27% of R&D expenditure incurred.
SME R&D Tax Relief
For accounting periods starting prior to 1st April 2024 and up to 31st March 2024, eligible SMEs can claim up to 27p for every £1 of qualifying expenditure incurred.
RDEC (Research and Development Expenditure Credit)
For accounting periods starting before 1st April 2024, available to larger companies who do not comply with the SME R&D Tax Relief scheme requirements. Companies can claim up to 16.2% on R&D expenditure incurred. For accounting periods on and after 1st April, the Merged Scheme, as outlined above applies.
There is a common misconception that only companies with teams in white lab coats will qualify however this is far from reality. Regardless of sector, if a company is spending money on research and development then they may be eligible to claim R&D Tax Relief.
CBTax support thousands of companies across the UK & Ireland, covering all sectors in making claims. Our experienced team can identify whether a claim could be possible that could fuel your desired growth plans, whether this is to support further innovation, purchasing an asset or profit extraction.
Why choose us?
Free Consultation
No-obligation consultation to assess eligibility and estimate your potential R&D claim value.
Chartered and Regulated
Claims prepared by chartered, regulated professionals meeting recognised industry and ethical standards.
HMRC Compliant
Fully compliant with HMRC legislation and current R&D tax guidance, with future R&D tax resolutions support and planning included in our core service offering.
In-House Specialists
Dedicated in-house tax and technical specialists manage your claim end-to-end.
Our efficient process
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Cost Identification & Review
We identify and extract all qualifying expenditure, ensuring your claim is accurate and fully maximised. We also highlight future R&D opportunities to strengthen subsequent claims.
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Technical Meetings & Report Preparation
Our specialists meet key staff to review qualifying R&D work against HMRC’s criteria. These focused workshops (typically under two hours, initially) inform the preparation of detailed technical and financial reports.
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Submission & Ongoing Support
Once approved by you, we submit the claim to the relevant tax authority and manage all correspondence. We liaise directly with HMRC officers and respond to any queries until the claim is processed, typically within 6–8 weeks.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Can I submit a claim by myself?
Yes, you can submit an R&D claim yourself as part of your Corporation Tax return. However, the legislation and technical criteria are complex and errors or unsupported claims can lead to enquiries, delays or even penalties.
Can my accountant claim for me?
Yes, but whilst many accountants are highly capable in preparing statutory accounts and general tax compliance, R&D tax relief is a specialist area. It requires expertise in both tax legislation and the technical criteria underpinning qualifying R&D. As Chartered Tax Advisors focused specifically on R&D claims, we provide the specialist analysis and structured reporting required to ensure claims are accurate, compliant and fully optimised. Making an R&D claim is not simply a numerical exercise. It requires a detailed technical assessment of qualifying activities, clear alignment with legislation and robust supporting documentation.
My company is loss making, can I still make a claim?
Yes, even if your company is currently loss-making, you may still be eligible to claim R&D tax relief. Schemes are not limited to profitable businesses. In fact, it is specifically designed to support companies investing in innovation, even during periods of financial loss. Under Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS), loss-making, R&D-intensive SMEs that meet the eligibility threshold can benefit from an enhanced payable credit, providing valuable cash flow at a critical stage of growth.
When can I make a claim?
Claims can be made as far back as two full financial periods in the UK, depending on your companies accounting period and previous R&D tax relief involvement.
What qualifies as R&D expenditure?
Qualifying R&D activities can arise across many areas of a business, from developing new products to achieving appreciable improvements in existing processes, systems or technologies. Often, these projects can be viewed internally as part of day-to-day operations rather than formal R&D. Our Technical Specialists apply structured, in-depth questioning to uncover qualifying activities and assess them against HMRC’s criteria, ensuring all eligible innovation is accurately identified and presented.
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