Does HMRC offset my R&D tax credit against any outstanding taxes I owe?

In certain situations you are able to offset your R&D tax credit against any outstanding taxes you owe. 

The reimbursements of tax and the disbursement of tax credits through the SME tax credit scheme, the RDEC scheme and the new merged scheme can be influenced by legislation that allows HMRC to deduct the amount owed by any outstanding tax before disbursing the remaining balance to you. 

Reminder: this only applies if a formal tax payment deferral has been arranged.