R&D Tax Relief and Patent Box

Listen

A key part of our role at BHP is to listen to you. We’re interested in what your business does and how it does it. This conversation might take us into the area of R&D, but it might equally take us somewhere else. We’re not here to tell you that just because you are a software company or a manufacturing company that you must be eligible for R&D relief – it’s not that simple.

You may have heard that R&D claims don’t have to involve ‘blue-sky’ thinking, cutting-edge technology or scientists in white lab coats, and while there is some truth in that, it doesn’t automatically mean that any claim for an improvement or refinement can be made. Claims can be made for modifying existing products, processes or systems, and the guidance applies equally to all sectors. Still, the key test is that the work being done must represent an advance on the existing baseline science or technology.

Understand

We understand the legislation and guidance around R&D tax claims, but it is equally important to understand your business. We know from experience that some clients have preconceptions that they can’t be doing R&D because of the type of industry they are in or that overcoming challenges and uncertainties is just part of the job. This might be true, but we need to understand the facts of your business and determine objectively whether the activity is enough to meet the criteria for a tax relief claim.

Over the years, we have submitted hundreds of R&D claims. Still, we know the importance of keeping up-to-date with the industry’s latest regulatory developments and do not take our position as trusted advisors for granted. From 1 April 2023, there are significant changes to what costs can (and cannot) be included in a claim. There are new requirements to notify HMRC that you intend to make a claim, and the nature of the information provided to HMRC to support any claim is now much more tightly defined. It might sound like making a claim is too onerous or risky, but we understand the process and will guide you through it.

Provide Honest Advice

A consequence of our approach is that we will tell you when we think you do not meet the criteria to support a valid Research & Development (‘R&D’) tax relief claim. Saying ‘no’ might seem like an odd way to advertise our R&D services, but it is important to know from the outset that companies are not automatically entitled to this relief – even if you have claimed it before. Of course, if we think you meet the qualifying criteria, we will support your claim throughout the process and ensure that it includes everything you are entitled to.