R&D Tax Credits
Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credits
If your business is investing time and money into developing new products, improving processes, overcoming technical challenges, or creating innovative solutions, you could be entitled to claim valuable R&D tax relief.
At Hillmans, we work alongside trusted specialist R&D tax advisers who focus exclusively on Research & Development claims. Together, we help businesses identify qualifying projects and prepare robust claims designed to meet HMRC requirements.
What are R&D tax credits?
R&D tax relief is a government-backed incentive designed to reward UK businesses that invest in innovation and problem solving.
Depending on your circumstances, a successful claim could reduce your Corporation Tax bill or result in a cash repayment from HMRC. For many businesses, this can provide valuable funds to reinvest back into growth, staff, equipment or future development projects.
Many businesses wrongly assume R&D only applies to laboratories or large technology companies, but qualifying work can take place across a wide range of industries including:
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Construction
- Software development
- Food production
- Automotive
- Agriculture
- Design and production
- Technical services
If your business has attempted to improve products, systems or processes by overcoming technical uncertainty, you may qualify.
How we help
While Hillmans does not prepare R&D claims directly in-house, we work closely with experienced R&D specialists who understand both the technical and tax aspects of the process.
This allows you to benefit from:
- A professional review of your potential claim
- Guidance on qualifying activities and costs
- Support gathering the required information
- Preparation of technical reports and calculations
- Claims submitted in line with current HMRC requirements
- Ongoing support if HMRC raises any queries
We remain involved throughout the process to help ensure everything runs smoothly alongside your existing accounts and corporation tax affairs.
What costs can qualify?
Depending on the nature of the project, qualifying expenditure may include:
- Staff costs
- Subcontractor costs
- Software used in development
- Consumable materials
- Utilities directly linked to R&D activity
- Prototype development costs
Each claim is different, and eligibility depends on the specific circumstances of your business and projects undertaken.
Important changes to R&D claims
HMRC has increased scrutiny around R&D tax claims in recent years, making it more important than ever that claims are properly prepared and fully supported.
Working with experienced specialists helps ensure claims are accurate, evidence-based and compliant with the latest HMRC guidance.
Speak to our team
If you think your business may qualify for R&D tax relief, we can arrange an initial discussion to explore your circumstances and introduce you to one of our specialist R&D partners.
Our aim is to make the process straightforward while helping you understand whether a claim may be worthwhile for your business.
Please
contact us if you would like any advice relating to making an R&D claim.
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