Research &
Development
Claim Valuable Relief for Research and Development Activities
Research and Development (R&D) tax relief is designed to support UK businesses working to improve their products, services, or internal processes. At My Tax Consultants, we help identify eligible activities, prepare claims, and submit supporting documentation so clients can benefit fully from government incentives linked to R&D.
This relief applies across a wide range of sectors, not just science and technology. If your business is taking financial risks to resolve technical problems, you may qualify—regardless of the outcome. Our role is to clarify the qualifying criteria, match your work to HMRC’s definitions, and support a claim that stands up to scrutiny.
What Qualifies as R&D for Tax Purposes?
Many businesses carry out qualifying R&D activities without realising it. HMRC defines R&D broadly, focusing on activities that aim to achieve an advance in knowledge or capability through technical or scientific means.
Examples of qualifying activity may include:
- Developing new or improved products, processes, or software
- Overcoming technical obstacles where the solution is not obvious
- Modifying existing systems or components to improve performance
- Creating prototypes or running trials to test new ideas
- Working with technology where there is technical uncertainty
The key factor is whether your team is solving complex challenges where the outcome was uncertain at the outset. Claims can be made under the SME scheme or RDEC (Research and Development Expenditure Credit), depending on company size and funding structure.
How We Help with R&D Tax Claims
At My Tax Consultants, we work with clients to review technical projects, costs, and supporting evidence. We ask clear, structured questions to understand what was attempted, what issues were encountered, and how your team approached solving them.
We then handle:
- Identification of qualifying activities
- Analysis of eligible costs (staff, subcontractors, materials, utilities, software licences)
- Preparation of the technical report
- Supporting documentation aligned with HMRC’s expectations
- Calculation of the relief or payable credit
- Liaison with your accountant to coordinate filing
The value of a successful claim can be substantial—reducing your tax liability or generating a repayable credit, especially for loss-making companies.
Who Can Benefit from R&D Tax Relief?
This incentive is not restricted to large corporations. We regularly assist:
- SMEs in manufacturing, software, construction, and engineering
- Tech start-ups working on product development
- Companies in agriculture, food production, and logistics
- Firms modernising systems or automating internal processes
- Businesses that sub-contract technical problem-solving
Even small changes to existing processes may qualify, depending on the level of uncertainty and testing involved.
Why R&D Should Be Part of Your Tax Planning Strategy
Including R&D tax relief as part of your wider tax planning can significantly reduce your overall liability. When reviewed annually, it can also inform strategic decisions about future investment. Many clients choose to revisit claims from the previous two accounting periods, as retrospective claims are often possible.
If your business is taking technical or scientific steps to overcome challenges, it’s worth assessing if the activity qualifies.
Speak to a Consultant
Interested in claiming R&D tax relief? Our tax consultants will assess your work, explain what qualifies, and prepare a clear, accurate submission.
We’ve helped companies across the UK access thousands of pounds in relief—funds that can be reinvested to support growth and development.
Contact My Tax Consultants
Let us help you explore the full potential of research and development claims as part of your broader tax planning. Call today or complete the contact form to schedule your consultation.
