R&D Tax Credits for UK Businesses Investing in Innovation
If your business solves technical problems or develops new products, processes, or software, you may be leaving money on the table. ABM Chartered Accountants identifies qualifying R&D activity, calculates your claim, and submits it to HMRC with the evidence needed to stand up.
R&D Claims Prepared With Technical and Financial Rigour
R&D tax credits reward companies that invest in innovation by reducing their corporation tax bill or providing a cash credit. Under the merged scheme, which applies for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, all qualifying companies receive a 20 percent above-the-line credit. ABM Chartered Accountants prepares claims that are technically sound and HMRC-ready.
Our ICAEW and ACCA qualified accountants assess your projects for eligibility, identify qualifying expenditure across staff costs, consumables, software, and subcontractors, complete the mandatory Additional Information Form, prepare the claim narrative, and submit everything with your CT600. We also defend claims if HMRC opens an enquiry.
What Our R&D Tax Credits Service Covers
From assessing your eligibility to defending your claim, here is how ABM Chartered Accountants helps your business claim the R&D tax relief it deserves.
Eligibility Assessment
Reviewing your projects to confirm whether they qualify as R&D for tax purposes under HMRC rules.
Qualifying Expenditure Review
Identifying and calculating the costs that qualify for relief including staff, materials, and tools.
Merged Scheme Claims
Preparing and submitting your R&D claim under the merged RDEC scheme with all supporting evidence.
ERIS Claims
Claiming enhanced relief for R&D-intensive loss-making SMEs that meet the 30 percent threshold.
Additional Information Form
Completing the mandatory Additional Information Form with project details before your CT600 filing.
HMRC Enquiry Support
Defending your R&D claim if HMRC opens a compliance check or requests further project evidence.
Get Rewarded for the Innovation You Already Do
Many businesses carry out qualifying R&D without realising it. You do not need to be in a laboratory or developing cutting-edge technology. If your work involves overcoming scientific or technological uncertainty, whether in software, engineering, manufacturing, or any other field, you may have a valid claim. ABM Chartered Accountants finds the R&D within your business.
HMRC is scrutinising R&D claims more closely than ever. Between 17 and 20 percent of claims are now being flagged for enquiry, and weak claims are being rejected. A properly prepared claim with strong technical narratives and accurate cost evidence is essential. We build claims that withstand that scrutiny.
R&D Tax Credits for Innovative Businesses Across the UK
Based in Canary Wharf, London, ABM Chartered Accountants helps businesses throughout the UK claim R&D tax credits. We work with your team to build strong, compliant claims.
R&D Tax Credits for Every Innovative Sector
We prepare R&D claims for businesses in software development, engineering, manufacturing, construction, life sciences, food and drink, fintech, and professional services. If your work involves technical problem solving, we can help.
Why Businesses Choose ABM for R&D Claims
Chartered R&D Specialists
ICAEW and ACCA qualified preparing every R&D claim.
Claims Built to Withstand Scrutiny
Technical narratives and cost evidence HMRC expects.
Merged Scheme Experts
Current rules applied correctly from eligibility to submission.
How We Work
Initial Consultation
Set Up and Onboard
Ongoing Support
We provide regular reviews and proactive advice to keep your finances optimised and HMRC-compliant.
Get in Touch Today
Whether you need help with your tax return, payroll, VAT, or business advisory, our qualified UK accountants are ready to provide clear, practical guidance for your specific needs.
Book a Consultation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the R&D tax credits questions we hear most often. Contact our team for guidance.
What qualifies as R&D for tax purposes?
R&D for tax purposes means a project that seeks to achieve an advance in science or technology by overcoming scientific or technological uncertainty. The advance must go beyond what is already known or readily available. Project success does not matter. It is the attempt to resolve the uncertainty that counts.
What is the merged R&D scheme?
The merged scheme replaced the previous SME and RDEC schemes for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024. It provides a 20 percent above-the-line credit on qualifying expenditure for all companies. The net benefit after corporation tax is around 15 percent for profit-making companies.
What is ERIS and does my company qualify?
ERIS is the Enhanced R&D Intensive Support scheme for loss-making SMEs that spend at least 30 percent of their total expenditure on qualifying R&D. It provides an effective benefit of up to 27 percent. A one-year grace period protects companies that temporarily fall below the threshold.
What costs can I claim?
Qualifying expenditure includes staff costs, consumable materials, software licences, cloud computing costs, and payments to UK subcontractors. Overseas subcontractor costs are no longer eligible under the merged scheme. ABM Chartered Accountants reviews your cost base and identifies everything that qualifies.
What is the Additional Information Form?
The Additional Information Form is a mandatory submission that must be completed before filing your CT600. It includes project descriptions, qualifying cost breakdowns, and a named senior officer. If it is not submitted correctly, your claim can be rejected on process alone.
How much does R&D tax credits advice cost?
Fees depend on the number of projects, the complexity of your R&D, and whether the claim is under the merged scheme or ERIS. We offer fixed-fee and contingent-fee arrangements. Contact ABM Chartered Accountants for a free initial assessment of your eligibility.