By Chris G Jones · · 3 min read
What it is
R&D tax relief is a UK government incentive that can reduce a company's corporation tax bill, or in some cases produce a credit, where it has carried out qualifying research and development.
This article is general information, not tax advice. Rules change, and eligibility always depends on the specific facts of your business.
Why eligible businesses miss it
The word 'research' puts people off. Businesses picture laboratories, not the problem-solving they do every week.
Many general accountants do not handle these claims and will say so openly. If nobody raises it, it never gets checked.
- Assuming R&D means science, not engineering or process work
- Assuming your accountant has already reviewed it
- Poor documentation of the technical problem and the work done
How to check properly
The only sensible route is a specialist eligibility review against your actual activity and expenditure, with documentation to support any claim.
Reclaim Tax UK — a company I am involved in — does exactly this work, alongside capital allowances, land remediation relief and Patent Box. No outcome is guaranteed, and an honest specialist will tell you when you do not qualify.