Innovation serves as the cornerstone of progress, propelling businesses forward and fostering economic development. However, the costs associated with research and development (R&D) activities can act as a significant barrier for businesses, especially startups and SMEs. Fortunately, the UK Government recognises the importance of driving innovation and offers various incentives to support R&D efforts. Despite the common misconception, R&D tax relief is not just available to high-tech, pharmaceutical, or R&D-centric businesses but can be claimed by a broad range of companies provided they are seeking to make an advancement in their relevant field or industry.
What is R&D tax relief?
R&D tax relief is a tax incentive aimed at encouraging investment in innovation. It provides tax relief to companies that engage in qualifying R&D activities, enabling them to reduce their tax liabilities or receive a cash credit.
Qualifying R&D activities must involve seeking scientific or technological advancements by resolving scientific or technological uncertainties. This can encompass a wide range of activities, including developing new products, or processes, as well as making appreciable improvements to existing ones.
Benefits of claiming R&D tax relief:
- Financial incentive: Claiming R&D tax relief offers businesses a significant financial incentive. By reducing tax liabilities or receiving cash refunds, companies can allocate more resources towards innovation, driving further research and development efforts.
- Competitive advantage: Innovation is a key driver of competitiveness in today’s dynamic business landscape. By investing in R&D and claiming tax relief, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors, develop cutting-edge solutions, and stay ahead of industry trends.
- Encouragement of innovation: R&D tax relief serves as a powerful tool for incentivising innovation. By offering financial rewards for R&D activities, governments stimulate businesses to invest in research and development, leading to technological advancements, job creation, and overall economic growth.
- Risk mitigation: Research and development inherently involve risks, as not all projects will yield successful outcomes. R&D tax relief helps mitigate some of these risks by providing financial support, making innovation more accessible and less daunting for businesses.
The merged R&D scheme
For accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2024, by default, all companies undertaking qualifying R&D activities must claim under the merged R&D scheme. The scheme broadly follows the same structure as the current Research & Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) scheme with a few notable differences.
- PAYE/NIC cap – previous restricted to the PAYE/NIC liability of R&D relevant employees, the merged scheme incorporates the more generous cap currently adopted by the SME scheme.
- Overseas R&D – The days of using overseas subcontractors and externally provided workers are over with new rules introduced to limited qualifying expenditure to work undertaken in the UK.
Subcontracted R&D has always been a problem area with both parties often trying to claim on the same project. The merged scheme looks to clear up any uncertainty by targeting the relief to the company making the decisions and bearing the risk. As such, where currently prohibited under the existing RDEC scheme, companies of all sizes will now be able to claim on the costs of contracting a (UK-based) subcontractor to undertake R&D activities on its behalf.
There will continue to be some scenarios where a subcontractor can claim R&D tax relief. These include when a company carries out R&D for a contractor which is not subject to UK corporation tax, such as charities and universities, as well as overseas entities.
SME intensive scheme
This is a more generous scheme available to loss-making R&D intensive SMEs. To be eligible to claim, companies must meet the existing SME size thresholds, be loss making (before factoring in the impact of an R&D claim) and satisfy the R&D intensity condition for the current or previous period
A company is an SME if, broadly, it has:
- fewer than 500 employees, and
- either turnover of no more than €100m, or
- gross assets of no more than €86m
A company broadly meets the R&D intensity condition if its qualifying R&D expenditure is at least 30% of its total expenditure. Total expenditure for this purpose includes any pre-trading expenditure and R&D costs capitalised as an intangible fixed asset.
Under this scheme, an eligible SME can claim an additional deduction of 86% of the relevant R&D costs incurred (this is in addition to the normal profit and loss deduction). This will increase the amount of the company’s trading loss, which it can then surrender for a repayable tax credit equal to 14.5% of the losses surrendered.
How PEM’s Business Tax team can help:
At PEM, we understand the complexities of navigating the tax landscape, particularly concerning R&D tax relief. Our dedicated Business Tax team specialises in helping businesses identify and maximise their eligibility for R&D incentives, ensuring they reap the full benefits of their innovation efforts.
Comprehensive assessment:
Our experts conduct a thorough assessment of your company’s R&D activities to identify qualifying projects, expenditures, and opportunities for tax relief. We work closely with your team to ensure no eligible expenses are overlooked.
Expert guidance:
Navigating the intricacies of R&D tax relief requires expertise and experience. Our team of tax professionals possesses in-depth knowledge of relevant tax laws and regulations, providing expert guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Documentation support:
Effective documentation is crucial for successful R&D tax relief claims. We assist you in maintaining thorough records of your R&D activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and maximising your claim potential.
Claim optimisation:
We go beyond merely identifying eligible expenses; we strive to optimise your R&D tax relief claim to maximise your tax savings or cash refunds. Our proactive approach ensures you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to under the relevant tax legislation whilst ensuring that your claim is robust and defendable.
Ongoing support:
Our commitment to your success extends beyond the initial claim process. We provide ongoing support and guidance, keeping you informed of changes in tax laws, and ensuring continued compliance with regulatory requirements.
Conclusion:
R&D tax relief presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to fuel innovation, drive growth, and gain a competitive edge. By leveraging these incentives effectively, companies can reduce their tax burdens, enhance their cash flow, and invest more resources into research and development.
At PEM, our Business Tax team is dedicated to helping businesses unlock the full potential of R&D tax relief. With our expertise, guidance, and personalised approach, we empower companies to navigate the complexities of R&D incentives and achieve maximum value for their innovation efforts.
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can support your business on its journey towards greater success.
This article was correct at time of publication.
