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The Advantage of Research and Development (R&D) Taxation in the UK

Updated: Jun 10

Revisions to UK Company Law – Effective 4th March 2024

Businesses that invest in research and development can benefit from R&D Tax Relief, an HMRC incentive that promotes economic productivity and intellectual growth throughout the United Kingdom.


It may seem complicated to figure out how much tax relief you qualify for, particularly when the government is adjusting the amount you may claim and tax relief rates are fluctuating. In this blog, we go over the basics of calculating the advantages of the R&D Tax Credit, including tax credit rates for expenses incurred before and after April 2023.


Whether you employ the Research & Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) or the SME R&D Relief program will determine how much you may claim in R&D Tax Credits. In essence, the RDEC program is for major firms or subcontracted organizations that conduct R&D, whereas the SME program is for companies with less than 500 employees and a turnover of under €100 million (or €86 million net assets).




Rates of the UK R&D Tax Credit for expenditures before to April 2023


Businesses have the opportunity to reduce their taxable profits through the assistance of SME R&D Relief. According to HMRC, companies can subtract an extra 130% of their eligible R&D expenditure from their annual profits when calculating their corporation tax bill.

This means that profitable businesses can potentially deduct up to £1.30 for every £1 spent on research and development (R&D), facilitating increased investment in R&D activities by your company.


For example, if you've invested £100 in qualifying R&D, this enhancement would augment your expenditure to £230. With the current corporation tax rate standing at 19% in the UK, R&D Tax Credits could offer you an additional £24.70.

Loss-making businesses can also benefit from SME R&D Relief by surrendering their losses in return for a cash payout of £33.35, calculated at a 14.5% interest rate.


Businesses who are losing money are able to claim 230% of their eligible R&D expenses. For instance, you would get an additional £130 in expenditure for every £100 spent on R&D expenditures, for a total of £230 in increased spending. R&D Tax Credits would pay you £33.35 when the 14.5% credit is applied to this increased expense.



Rates of the UK R&D Tax Credit for expenses after April 2023


The extra deduction for SMEs will drop from 130% to 86% for expenses incurred starting on April 1, 2023, while the SME credit rate would drop from 14.5% to 10%. Furthermore, effective immediately, any company with profits greater than £250,000 will pay 25% corporate tax.


Thus, profitable companies are eligible to receive up to 21.50p for each £1 invested in R&D activities. For instance, your extra uplift would now be £86 if you spent £100 on qualified R&D. You would obtain £21.50 through R&D Tax Credits if your business pays the 25% corporation tax rate.


Businesses who make losses might receive 186% of their eligible R&D expenses. For every £100 invested, the 10% credit rate will provide £18.60 in R&D Tax Credits.



Rates for RDEC expenses starting in April 2023


The Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) rate will rise from 13% to 20% for expenses incurred starting on April 1, 2023. Therefore, you will earn £20 in R&D Expenditure Credit for every £100 spent on approved R&D activities. This results in a net benefit of £15, after tax.



For more, please visit GOV.UK .


 



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ATTENTION!


This article intends to give only a general informative picture and should not, in any case, be taken as a rule. It is strongly recommended to seek a full and professional guidance specifically for your circumstances before making any decisions.

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