R&D Tax Credits and Innovation Incentives

Turn Innovation Into Impact

If your business is investing in new products, improving processes, or developing technology, you may be entitled to valuable R&D tax relief. Too many companies miss out because they don’t realise what qualifies.

Person standing in a neon-lit data corridor with blue light trails and server racks on both sides

At Collective Concepts Accounting, we help you identify, claim, and maximise Research & Development (R&D) tax credits, so your innovation gets the recognition and reward it deserves.


What Qualifies as R&D?


You don’t need to be wearing lab coats or developing cutting-edge tech. If you are improving scientific or technological knowledge, with a product you can't just buy off the shelf, you may be eligible.


You could be:


  • Improving systems
  • Developing internal platforms
  • Automating processes
  • Creating new recipes, prototypes or materials
  • Tackling technical or scientific challenges
  • Modifying existing tools to work in a new way


If you’ve had to overcome uncertainty to achieve a result — it could qualify.


Checkmark inside a circle icon in black on a white background

Our R&D Services:

  • Eligibility assessment and project scoping
  • Preparation of technical reports
  • Calculating qualifying costs (staff, software, materials, etc.)
  • Filing claims under SME or RDEC schemes
  • Liaising with HMRC and defending claims if challenged
  • Ongoing reviews to ensure compliance


We work across multiple sectors - from SaaS and engineering to manufacturing, retail, and food production.

How we can help…

R&D tax relief can significantly reduce your Corporation Tax liability - or even result in a cash repayment. We ensure your claim is robust, justified, and tailored to HMRC’s expectations.


You focus on innovation. We’ll make sure you’re rewarded for it.

FAQs

  • 1. How does R&D tax relief work now?

    For accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2024, most companies claim under the merged R&D scheme, which gives a taxable credit on qualifying spend. Loss-making SMEs that spend a large share of their costs on R&D may qualify for extra support through Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS). We'll work out which applies to you and how to get the most from it.

  • 2. Is there a deadline to claim?

    Yes. Claims must usually be made within two years of the end of the accounting period. If you're claiming for the first time, or haven't claimed in the past three years, you'll probably need to notify HMRC within six months of your year end. If you miss that window, you can lose the claim entirely, so talk to us early.

  • 3. What costs can I include?

    Qualifying costs usually include staff salaries for people working on R&D projects, subcontractors, software, cloud computing, data and consumable materials. There are restrictions on overseas costs, so it's important to get the calculation right. We'll identify every eligible cost and make sure your claim is fully supported.

  • 4. What will HMRC need to see?

    Every claim must include an Additional Information Form describing the projects, the technical challenges and the costs involved. HMRC has greatly increased its checks on R&D claims, so a clear, well-evidenced technical report is essential. We prepare this for you and will defend your claim if HMRC asks questions.

  • 5. Can I claim if my project didn't succeed?

    Yes. R&D relief rewards the attempt to resolve scientific or technological uncertainty, not just success. Failed projects and dead ends can still qualify, as long as the work meets HMRC's definition of R&D.