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Knowledge Library
Explore the complexities of R&D tax credits with our comprehensive knowledge library. Containing information on topics such as R&D eligibility criteria, HMRC enquiries, accounting and finance, qualifying R&D costs, R&D schemes, the claim process, R&D tax relief and the outcomes. Our knowledge library is the key to understanding R&D tax credits. Navigate the intricacies of R&D tax credits available to businesses in the UK.
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Finance and Accounting Information
Understanding the key financial information required to complete an R&D tax credit claim is essential in order to guarantee its success.
Company Contexts
The size of your company will determine the type of application to be submitted, and our R&D tax credit specialists can provide guidance on the essential information, potential results, and the most efficient way to make the most of your R&D tax credit claim.
HMRC's Role
HMRC is the authority responsible for auditing and assessing claims for R&D tax credits, thereby helping to ensure that claims are valid and accurate. In this way, HMRC is helping to ensure that businesses are getting the maximum benefit from their R&D activities, paving the way to boost the UK economy as a whole.
Enquiries
When businesses claim R&D tax credits, they may be subject to enquiries or audits by tax authorities to ensure that the claimed amounts are valid and in compliance with the relevant regulations.
Submitting Applications
Eligible companies can make various types of R&D claims depending on the nature of projects, the outcomes of their R&D activities, and the application type. It is important for companies to seek the help of R&D tax credit specialists to ensure that they are eligible for the different types of claims and to maximise the benefits of R&D tax credit claims.
Potential End Results
The process of claiming R&D tax credits can be a defining factor in potential outcomes. Successful R&D tax credit claims can bring significant benefits to businesses, such as reducing their tax liability, improving their cash flow, and funding future R&D projects.
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Accounting and finance
Explore the accounting and financial aspects of R&D tax credits
7 questions
Eligibility criteria
Determine your eligibility for R&D tax relief, who can claim, and more
14 questions
ERIS scheme
Explore the intricacies of Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS)
5 questions
HMRC enquiries
Instances of HMRC enquiries and their impact on the outcome
10 questions
Merged scheme
Explore insights into financial incentives for your business's R&D innovation
6 questions
Qualifying expenditure
Everything you need to know about qualifying R&D costs in one place
8 questions
R&D tax credit scheme
Discover the ins and outs of R&D tax relief and their impact on business
8 questions
The claim process
Everything you need to know for claiming R&D tax credits
14 questions
The outcome
Discover the outcomes of R&D tax credits to make informed decisions
5 questions
Popular questions
The accounting treatment of R&D tax relief will depend on which scheme applies to your project based on eligibility and level of qualifying R&D expenditure. Accounting Periods Beginning On or After 1 April 2024 For most companies, the merged scheme now applies. The merged scheme…
Read the full answerIf you’ve been investing in research and development but your company hasn’t turned a profit yet, you may still be able to claim R&D tax credit relief. This government incentive was introduced in order to support businesses carrying out qualifying R&D activities, even during early…
Read the full answerThe Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS) scheme was designed for SMEs who are loss-making and have spent a significant proportion of their costs on research and development. For accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, a business that meets the ERIS conditions can…
Read the full answerSometimes, an R&D tax credit claim may be offset against outstanding tax owed to HMRC. This means that where a company has unpaid tax obligations, HMRC may apply the value of the R&D tax relief to those amounts before any remaining balance is released to…
Read the full answerA claim under the R&D Merged Scheme is made through the company's Corporation Tax return. Before submitting the claim, the company needs to identify its qualifying R&D projects, determine which activities meet the definition of R&D for tax purposes and calculate the qualifying expenditure associated…
Read the full answerEmployee wages: Salaries, wages, bonuses, employer National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and pension contributions of employees directly involved in qualifying R&D activities are generally eligible types of expenditure. This typically includes: Researchers Engineers Technical staff These types of employees if the project must have been actively…
Read the full answerAs of 1 April 2024, the UK R&D tax relief system consists of two primary forms of support: the merged R&D scheme and Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS). These changes were introduced by HMRC to simplify the R&D tax credit relief regime and provide additional…
Read the full answerNo, businesses do not need to wait until an R&D project has been completed before making a claim. If your company has incurred qualifying R&D expenditure during an accounting period, those costs can be included in an R&D tax relief claim, even if the project…
Read the full answerThe value of your R&D tax relief claim depends on several factors, including your qualifying R&D expenditure, the scheme your claim falls under, and the accounting period being claimed. It also depends on whether your company is profitable or loss-making, as this can affect how…
Read the full answerDe minimis state aid grants refers to a form of state aid provided by the government to businesses, but it is subject to a maximum allowable amount over a specific period of time. For this reason, it could have a significant impact on SMEs (small…
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Answer a few questions and estimate whether your business may qualify for R&D tax relief.
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Still need help with your R&D tax question?
Our hassle-free and streamlined process is waiting for you to get started and to make you feel confident throughout your R&D claim application.
- Free, no-obligation consultation with an R&D tax specialist
- Clear answers on eligibility, costs, claims and HMRC enquiries
- Practical guidance based on your project, sector and claim position
R&D Tax Credit Calculator
R&D Tax Credit Calculator
Is your company registered in the UK?
Only UK companies paying Corporation Tax can claim R&D tax credits
Unfortunately, only UK-registered companies are eligible for R&D tax credits. If you are considering UK incorporation, we can advise you.
Is your company currently profitable?
This determines whether you receive tax relief or a cash credit
Estimated annual R&D spend
Include staff costs, materials, software, and subcontractors
£100,000
Annual R&D expenditure
Optional — leave as 0 if none
What industry are you in?
This helps us provide tailored guidance
Your estimated R&D tax credit
£0*
- This amount is only an estimate — actual claim may vary*
- We will conduct a full assessment to maximise your claim
- No win, no fee basis
R&D tax credit specialists
Why claim with Alexander Clifford?
Speak with experts who maximise your claim and handle HMRC — on a no win, no fee basis.
- No Win, No Fee Only pay once you’ve successfully claimed
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