R&D Tax Credits Services London
Robust, evidence-led R&D tax credit claims — qualifying assessment, technical narrative and computations aligned to HMRC expectations.
R&D tax credits can be a meaningful cash flow lever for innovative companies — but only where the claim is properly evidenced and aligned to HMRC’s definition of a scientific/technological advance. We help you identify what qualifies, quantify eligible costs, and produce a narrative that stands up to scrutiny.
Who we help
- Software and technology teams building novel platforms, tooling or data-driven systems
- Engineering and manufacturing businesses improving processes, materials or performance
- Life sciences and technical product companies with documented experimentation and iteration
- Finance teams that need a claim process that is predictable, auditable and repeatable
What we do
Qualifying assessment
We map projects to the qualifying criteria: the advance sought, the uncertainties, the competent professionals involved, and the systematic work carried out.
Cost identification and computation
We identify qualifying costs and document the basis for inclusion. Where judgement is required, we set out the rationale clearly so it’s consistent year to year.
Technical narrative (the part HMRC actually reads)
We produce a narrative that is specific and measurable — focusing on uncertainties and advances rather than marketing language. This typically reduces the risk of delays and follow-up questions.
Submission and query support
We support submission and, if needed, help you respond to HMRC queries with clear evidence and a consistent position.
Related support: Patent Box and corporation tax advice often sit alongside R&D planning.
Our R&D tax credits process
A repeatable process designed to maximise eligible relief while keeping the claim supportable.
- 1Scoping workshopWe identify potential qualifying projects and define what evidence and data we need.
- 2Technical narrative draftingWe document advances and uncertainties with input from your technical leads (specific, not promotional).
- 3Cost compilation and reviewWe gather and validate qualifying cost categories and apply a clear allocation method.
- 4Submission and supportWe support filing and handle follow-up queries with structured evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
R&D tax credits are a UK government tax relief scheme designed to encourage innovation by providing tax relief on qualifying research and development expenditure. Companies can claim R&D tax credits to reduce their corporation tax liability or receive cash repayments for loss-making companies. The scheme provides significant tax savings on qualifying R&D costs including staff costs, materials, and subcontractor costs.
Activities qualify for R&D tax credits if they seek to achieve an advance in science or technology through resolving scientific or technological uncertainties. This includes developing new products, processes, or services, or significantly improving existing ones. The activities must involve systematic investigation and cannot be routine development work. We can help assess whether your activities qualify for R&D tax credits.
The amount you can claim depends on your qualifying R&D expenditure and company size. For SMEs, the enhanced deduction is 186% of qualifying costs, with a payable credit of 14.5% for loss-making companies. For large companies, the Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) is 20% of qualifying costs. We can help calculate your potential R&D tax credit claim based on your specific circumstances.
Qualifying R&D costs include staff costs (salaries, employer NICs, pension contributions), materials consumed in R&D, software used directly in R&D, and subcontractor costs (subject to restrictions). Costs must be directly attributable to qualifying R&D activities. We can help identify all qualifying costs and ensure your claim maximises eligible expenditure.
R&D tax credits are claimed through your corporation tax return by completing the R&D tax credit claim form and providing a technical narrative explaining your R&D activities. The claim must be submitted within two years of the end of the accounting period. We can help prepare and submit your R&D tax credit claim, ensuring all requirements are met.
A technical narrative is a detailed explanation of your R&D activities that demonstrates how they meet HMRC's qualifying criteria. It should explain the scientific or technological uncertainties, the advance sought, and how the activities resolved the uncertainties. A well-prepared technical narrative is essential for a successful R&D tax credit claim. We can help prepare comprehensive technical narratives that meet HMRC requirements.
Next steps
Get in touch with our R&D tax credits team to discuss how we can help maximise your R&D tax credit claims. Our experienced team will provide expert R&D tax credits services tailored to your business.