Think Research and Development tax allowances don’t apply to your business? You may well be surprised. Last year more than 39,000 UK companies took advantage of the scheme, claiming nearly £3.5bn in tax relief for projects as diverse as software development, streamlining manufacturing through automation and developing innovative operational processes.
As a local accountant, we’ve helped companies of all sizes claim R&D tax allowances for all types and sizes of project, so if you’re not sure if it’s relevant to you – read on.
R&D tax credits are a government initiative, introduced in 2000, to reward UK companies who invest in innovation. So, if you spend any money on developing new products, processes or services or enhancing existing ones, you may be eligible for R&D tax relief.
If you make an R&D tax credit claim, then you will either receive a Corporation Tax reduction or a cash payment or a mixture of both. This is a great incentive, not only to reduce your tax liability, but also to look at new, innovative ways to grow your business. So, in effect, it’s helping you fund innovation that could transform your business and take it to the next level.
Both profitable and loss making companies can apply, so it’s well worth working out if your company is eligible.
The good news HMRC’s R&D criteria are fairly broad, so anything which sees your company ‘help resolve scientific or technological uncertainties’ may qualify for R&D relief.
Research and Development happens across all sectors, and doesn’t have to be about science or technology, so don’t automatically assume that you don’t do anything that qualifies. Have a think about whether you are:
Or carrying out those activities for a client. If you are, then you may be able to claim for R&D tax relief. And bear in mind, your R&D doesn’t have to be successful to qualify.
If you’re still unsure, take a look at this handy guide from HMRC or give us a call. We love helping people take their business to the next level, so are happy to help.
To qualify you have to be a limited company, subject to Corporation Tax and spending money on qualifying research and development activities.
There are currently two R&D schemes, catering for both small business and large companies.
5 reasons you should embrace Making Tax Digital
Tax Efficient Employee Incentive Schemes That Actually Work
Reducing your Corporation Tax, the legitimate way
If you have fewer than 500 employees, and a turnover of less than €100m, or a balance sheet of less than €86m, then you can make a R&D claim. However, if you are in receipt of any State Aid, subsidies or grants, it may make a difference to your R&D claim.
If a project does qualify under the SME scheme, then on average you will receive 25% of the cost of the R&D project.
If you don’t meet the criteria for the SME scheme, then you will only be able to claim under the RDEC regime. This scheme is less beneficial and you will only receive in the region of 9.7% of your project costs.
If you’re not sure what scheme you qualify for, please get in touch. As local accountants, we’ve worked with a number of companies to help them claim for R&D tax relief, so will be able to quickly help you out.
If you are making a R&D claim then the following costs would qualify.
When you submit your Company Tax Return form, the total amount you are claiming for is simply included on the form.
As local accountants, we know that claiming for R&D tax relief can be a bit of a hassle, which is why we offer a range of accountancy services, which includes helping with your claim for R&D tax relief. We will help:
It normally takes HMRC 4-6 weeks to process a claim. If you have already paid your Corporation Tax bill, you will receive a repayment, or a R&D tax credit cash refund, if your business made a loss during the accounting period.
If you would like more advice on how to claim for R&D tax relief, please get in touch. We will ensure that you get all the R&D tax credits you are due, help you take your business to the next level and most importantly, save you some tax!
We help ambitous small business owners grow their personal wealth and achieve their ideal work/life balance.
Palmers Barn,
Station Road,
Long Marston, Tring,
HP23 4QS
UK.
Office: 01296 662322
Email: info@palmers-uk.com
Palmers Business Support was founded to help ambitous small business owners grow their personal wealth and achieve their ideal work/life balance. With accountancy as the central pillar of our offering, we take the view that timely accounts and efficient compliance is the bare minimum our cients should expect.
All Rights Reserved, Palmers Business Support 2017 | Website design by: YostratO Ltd