R&D Tax Credits Explained
The government rewards businesses for investing in innovation. If your company is developing new products, improving processes, or solving technical challenges, you could be eligible for R&D tax credits—and most businesses aren't claiming them.
What Are R&D Tax Credits?
R&D tax credits are a government scheme designed to reduce the tax burden on companies that invest in research and development. Essentially, the government gives you money back when you spend on qualifying innovation work. It's a direct way to support businesses pushing boundaries and taking technical risks.
You don't need to be a tech startup or work in a lab. If your business invests time and money into developing something new or improving how you do things, you likely qualify.
What Counts as R&D?
The key is that your work must involve solving a technical problem or advancing something that wasn't straightforward to achieve. Here are some common examples:
Activities That Qualify
- Developing new products or services
- Improving existing products or processes
- Developing new software or apps
- Testing and iterating on solutions
- Projects that failed—if they involved technical challenges and taught you something
- Enhancing manufacturing techniques
- Improving efficiency or quality in your operations
The common thread? Your business is investing resources (staff time, materials, equipment) into work that involves technical uncertainty. You don't know upfront if it will work, but you're trying to figure it out.
How Much Money Are We Talking About?
Most eligible companies claim between £10,000 and £100,000+ depending on the size of their R&D investment. Some businesses claim far more. The key is capturing all the qualifying work you've done—many companies miss claims because they don't realise how much of their activity qualifies.
The Claim Process
You don't need detailed documentation or lab coats. The process involves documenting what R&D work you've done, how much you've spent (staff costs, materials, equipment, subcontractors), and submitting a claim with HMRC. It's straightforward, and there are different routes depending on your company size and turnover.
Why Aren't More Businesses Claiming?
The main reasons are simple: many businesses don't realise they qualify, they're unsure what counts, or they think the paperwork is too much hassle. That's where we come in. We help companies understand what they've actually done, quantify the investment, and submit claims that hold up to scrutiny.
Why Choose Fiskal for Your R&D Claim?
Not all R&D claim providers are created equal. Some brokers make aggressive claims to inflate client payouts, then disappear if HMRC comes knocking with questions later. That leaves you exposed.
We work exclusively with trusted partners who follow the strictest legal practices. There's no upfront cost to explore your eligibility or submit your claim. You only pay if your claim succeeds and you receive your money. And crucially, you're supported throughout—including if HMRC has any questions about your claim down the track.
It's the difference between a claim that might pay out today but leaves you vulnerable tomorrow, and one that's solid from day one.
Ready to Find Out What You Could Claim?
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