R&D Tax Advice

At Professional Accountants, we support innovative businesses and across the UK with end-to-end R&D tax credit services—helping you identify eligible activities, compile technical justifications, and maximise your claim with full HMRC compliance.

Whether you’re a startup, SME, or established firm conducting research, our specialists are here to ensure you don’t miss out on the valuable relief your innovation deserves.

Who Qualifies for R&D Tax Credits and How Do Claims Work?

In , businesses across sectors can qualify for R&D tax credits if they invest in projects that seek to advance knowledge or overcome scientific or technological uncertainty. This includes developing new products, processes, software, or systems, or significantly improving existing ones.

Claims are submitted through your company’s corporation tax return and must be supported by detailed cost breakdowns and a written technical narrative. Both SMEs and larger companies can claim under different schemes, such as SME relief or RDEC.

What Does R&D Tax Relief Support Cost?

The cost of R&D tax relief support ranges from 10% to 20% of the claim value on a success-based fee model, meaning payment is due only once your credit is received.

Costs are primarily influenced by the size of your business, the complexity of your R&D projects, the level of technical documentation required, and whether audit or compliance support is included. Fixed-fee options are also available for straightforward SME claims.

Contact Professional Accountants to get customised prices for preparing and submitting your R&D claim.

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What Types of Projects Count as Research and Development-Based Businesses?

We support a wide range of R&D activities that qualify for HMRC’s R&D tax relief scheme, including:

• Bespoke software development – Creating new platforms, tools, or systems that enhance capability or solve complex technical challenges.

• Engineering innovation – Designing or improving materials, components, or equipment to achieve greater efficiency, performance, or sustainability.

• Scientific experimentation – Developing prototypes, running trials, or testing hypotheses to overcome technological uncertainty.

• Manufacturing optimisation – Streamlining production processes or introducing automation to improve output and reduce costs.

• Product and process improvement – Advancing existing technologies beyond standard industry methods to deliver measurable innovation.

• Feasibility and testing projects – Conducting research, modelling, or validation work to prove the technical viability of a new idea.

Do R&D Services Include Claim Preparation, Submission, and HMRC Support?

Full-service R&D tax providers typically manage the entire process—from initial eligibility assessments and costing to preparing the technical report and submitting the claim.

They also provide post-submission support, including responding to HMRC queries, defending claims in case of enquiries, and helping businesses prepare for any changes in future reporting requirements. This end-to-end approach ensures your claim is robust, audit-ready, and fully optimised.

What Records and Technical Justification Are Needed for a Successful Claim?

Successful R&D claims depend on maintaining accurate documentation and a strong technical narrative, including:

• Cost records – Detailed evidence of qualifying expenditure such as staff wages, consumables, subcontractor costs, and software licences.

• Time tracking – Logs or timesheets showing how much time each employee spent on eligible R&D activities.

• Project documentation – Development notes, design drafts, test results, and version histories that demonstrate technical progress.

• Financial tracking – Clear accounting records linking R&D expenses to specific projects and reporting periods.

• Technical report – A structured explanation outlining project objectives, technical challenges, uncertainties, and the advancements achieved.

• Supporting evidence – Emails, meeting notes, or prototype records that help substantiate the R&D process for HMRC review.

How Much Can a Business Typically Reclaim Through R&D Tax Relief?

The value of your R&D tax claim of an SME can typically be up to 33% of qualifying costs, while larger firms or grant-funded projects may receive a lower percentage under the RDEC scheme (around 20%).

Typical claim amounts range from £5,000 to £500,000+, depending on the scale of your innovation and how thoroughly the claim is compiled.

Can Startups and SMEs Benefit From the SME or RDEC Schemes?

Startups and SMEs are eligible for the SME scheme, which is generally more generous and allows loss-making companies to receive a payable R&D tax credit, even without paying corporation tax.

Those who have received grants or subsidies may still qualify for RDEC, the Research and Development Expenditure Credit scheme. A specialist can advise which route is best based on your company’s funding, profits, and ownership structure.

Contact Professional Accountants for a consultation on getting R&D tax advisory.

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Is Using a Specialist for R&D Tax Claims a Cost-Effective Choice for Companies?

Engaging an R&D tax specialist not only improves your chances of success but can significantly increase the value of your claim by capturing hidden qualifying activities.

Many businesses underclaim, or fail to claim altogether, due to a lack of awareness or technical expertise. A good R&D tax advisor brings sector knowledge, up-to-date compliance insight, and proven processes that reduce the risk of HMRC rejection or delay.