FAQs
Find the answers to the most commonly asked
questions about the scheme and our approach.
Q: What sort of work qualifies for an R&D Tax Credit claim?
A: Companies developing new, or improving existing, products or business systems or production processes, that are tackling “technological uncertainty”, are likely to qualify.
Q: How far back can we claim?
A: Initial claims can go back two years from the company’s financial year-end.
Q: I’m too busy, surely this is a very complicated process?
A: Our proven and practical approach is compliant and designed to minimise the amount of time we need from you and your staff to prepare your claim. For only 2-3 hours of your time, the rewards could be significant.
Q: My accountant says I don’t qualify, so why should I put any effort into this?
A: Companies, and their accountants, often believe that the work being undertaken is not ‘R&D’. However, the scheme is broad and companies developing new, or improving existing, products or business systems or production processes, that are tackling “technological uncertainty”, are likely to qualify. We are specialists in the R&D Tax Credit scheme and can provide a no obligation assessment over the telephone of your potential to claim.
Q: We don’t develop anything in-house: can we still claim?
A: If the development costs are included in the accounts of a limited company in the UK, then sub-contracted development activities may qualify.
Q: My company is loss-making, can I still claim?
A: Yes. The scheme allows loss-making organisations to ‘surrender’ R&D tax losses for cash, or to be carried forward against future profits.
Q: Our development project failed: do we qualify?
A: This is a scheme that rewards endeavour as well as success. If a qualifying project is not successful due to technical failure or because it becomes commercially unviable, the costs incurred may still be included in a claim.
Q: How long does it take for a claim to be processed?
A: Once your claim has been submitted, we actively manage the process through to you receiving the refund or other tax benefit. HMRC is committed to processing claims promptly. In our experience, HMRC normally processes claims within eight weeks.