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

In certain situations, you are allowed to offset your R&D tax credit against any outstanding taxes you owe. The reimbursements of tax and disbursements of tax credits through SME scheme and RDEC incentives can be influenced by legislation that allows HMRC to deduct the amount owed from any outstanding tax before disbursing the remaining balance to you. However, this exception applies if a formal tax payment deferral has been arranged.