Introduced in 2001, research and development (R&D) is a corporation tax relief designed to reward UK companies that invest in innovative projects. HMRC R&D tax credits don’t just represent a great opportunity for companies to reduce their corporation tax bills, but also free up funds so you can focus on improving your processes and honing your industry expertise.

But while it pays to reap the rewards of this tax break, the rules surrounding R&D expenditure can be difficult to navigate, especially if you dedicate most of your time to your projects. If you want to improve your chances of making a successful claim, you’ll need to know which activities you can claim tax credits for — and which costs you’ll need to foot the bill for yourself.

As accountants for R&D-intensive industries like tech, manufacturing and construction, we’re here to help you get the most out of your claim. In this guide, we’ll enhance your understanding of R&D and give you more clarity on the claims process, from breaking down what counts as qualifying expenditure to offering expert advice on how to make the most of your claim.

Let’s get started.