With unmatched industry expertise and an in-house compliance team with former HMRC inspectors, we are the trusted partner of choice for clients across a wide range of sectors. We ensure that your R&D tax credit claim is secure and fully compliant, empowering your business to invest in innovation.
Research and Development (R&D) tax credits (formerly known as R&D tax relief) are a UK government incentive designed to encourage companies that invest in innovation by reducing their tax liability.
Recent changes to the R&D framework mean it’s more important than ever not only to work with a team who understands the legislation, but also has a deep expertise in your industry. Combining technical tax knowledge with sector-specific insight is essential to preparing a robust R&D tax credit claim.
Choosing the right R&D tax advisors directly impacts the success and security of your claim, so it’s important to choose a partner who not only understands the legislation, but also has deep, industry-specific knowledge of the project claim.
We hire consultants educated up to PhD level directly from industry. This means each team has a vocational understanding of the topics they prepare claims for and the nuances of each project.
Our independent in-house compliance team is comprised of former HMRC inspectors, a lawyer and accountants. They’ve sat on both sides of the process, so know how to build a robust claim that can stand up to scrutiny.
As an additional advisory layer, RCK Partners have built the Innovation Advisory Council (IAC). A network of advisers who bring a wealth of experience from their respective industries. Their advice is grounded in first-hand understanding and provides deep, up-to-date, sector-specific insight that complements the knowledge of RCK’s existing teams.
R&D tax credits can be claimed by businesses operating in a range of various industries, including software, life sciences and engineering.
If your company and its projects meet the criteria below, you may qualify for R&D tax credits.
Is your company liable for corporation tax?
Has your project sought to develop something new where previously there was no available solution?
Did you encounter scientific or technological uncertainty during the project and was the solution difficult to create?
Take a look at eligible R&D tax credits costs within some of the industries we support, and some case studies where we have helped companies claim R&D tax credits.
Gross salaries, bonuses, employers NI (national insurance), and employers pension contributions are eligible when claiming R&D tax credits.
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Resources utilised throughout your business's R&D process for example fuel and water can be claimed as R&D Tax Credit Relief.
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Eligible computer software costs qualify for R&D tax relief and can be included in the claim. From accounting periods April 1st '23 data and cloud computing costs can also be eligible.
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If you outsource part of your R&D to external contractors or agency staff, you can claim a proportion of the cost in your R&D tax relief claim.
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R&D claims were previously made through two main schemes:
These schemes merged from accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, and here's what you need to know:
The SME R&D scheme provides relief of qualifying R&D incurred costs for micro, small and medium-sized companies. This rate is up to a maximum of 33% (pre April 2023) and up to a limit of 21.5% (post April 2023).
This rate is up to a maximum of 10.5% (pre April 2023) and up to a limit of 15% (post April 2023).
When claiming for accounting periods after April 2024, claims must go through the merged scheme. Essentially, this is a continuation of RDEC scheme, with some changes regarding subcontracting.
Businesses eligible for the ERIS scheme can get up to 27% relief
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Meet and greet with technical consultants. Consultant allocation based on the company's industry and the consultants' qualifications and experience.
Eligibility check against the R&D criteria and legislation.
Technical discussions with competent professionals to determine qualifying projects for claim basis.
Review of payroll and ledgers for formation of apportionment methodology to corroborate technical analysis.
Consolidation of technical and financial analysis within a report to underpin the R&D tax relief claim.
Compliance review takes place to validate the report against HMRC’s guidelines.
Preparation of Additional Information Form (AIF), a required filing to be made alongside amended tax return and report.
The AIF, along with the report, is sent to the client for review and authorisation that the claim is representative of activities undertaken by the company. This is an opportunity for final validation.
Forms and documents relevant to the claim are submitted to HMRC.
Regular meetings will be held between the R&D agent and the company’s Tax/Finance team to keep all relevant stakeholders informed on the status of the claim.
Check-ins throughout the year to guide record keeping in advance of new claim period.
*This process is flexible and can be adapted based on a client's preferences as to their involvement within the process.
We were introduced to RCK in 2023 by one of our existing clients who highly recommended their services. Over the past three years, we have trusted RCK to manage our R&D claims and have just completed our most recent submission. Their team are all consistently friendly, professional, and highly knowledgeable about our industry, which has made the entire process much smoother and far less stressful. From start to finish — even in what was a slightly more complex claim this year — RCK handled everything efficiently, minimising the time and effort required from our staff and avoiding hours of downtime gathering information. This year, Cassius managed our claim, and we cannot speak highly enough of him. His strong understanding of our industry ensured a quick turnaround and a seamless application process. We would highly recommend RCK to any business seeking expert guidance with their R&D claims.
Director at Blueprint
We have had 2 successful applications with RCK now, and both times it has been very efficient and professional, would recommend.
Co-Founder at My Emissions
My thanks to George from RCK Partners - he quickly identified our needs, offered and solution and then managed the delivery - first class communication all the way.
CEO
We have worked with RCK Chartered Tax Advisors for a few years now, and their service continues to be nothing short of outstanding. Their support with our corporate tax credits has been invaluable, and the process is always handled with professionalism, clarity, and genuine care. A special shout out to Harrison Jones, Senior Associate Manager, who has been exceptional throughout. His attention to detail, responsiveness, and deep expertise have made what could have been a complex process feel smooth and stress-free. RCK have become a trusted partner for us now, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to any business looking for reliable and knowledgeable tax advisors.
Managing Director - TPWT
Very professional (and friendly). Made the claiming process exceptionally smooth. If you are looking for high confidence in your claim and minimal disruption to your company, look no further. Very impressed.
Director - Impact Surgical
The RCK team have been top draw. Highly professional and reliable, got the job done quickly. Highly recommend.
CEO & Co-founder at Hyper
Working with RCK on our R&D tax claim was an excellent experience. They were able to extract maximum value from the process while staying fully within government guidelines, always acting with integrity, trust, and speed. They came across as true partners to the business, supportive, knowledgeable, reliable, and consistently delivered on their promises. Based on my experience with them in my capacity as interim CFO, I would not hesitate to recommend their services.
CFO of Instanda (F2X Group Ltd)
If your business is a limited company undertaking projects to resolve scientific or technological uncertainty, you could be eligible for R&D tax relief. During the projects there must be technical challenges that have no clear solution. At RCK we’ve successfully made claims for businesses in sectors like software, manufacturing, engineering and more. If you’re unsure, you can enquire to receive a complimentary eligibility check.
What sets us apart is our layered advisory model, combining PhD-level, sector-specialist consultants who bring a vocational understanding of their sectors and who can speak the same language as our clients' technical teams. Alongside this, we provide board-level strategic insight, including guidance from Lord Philip Hammond, former Chancellor, and Lord Iain McNicol, who provide perspective on the macroeconomic environment and the tax landscape.
We operate on a contingency fee basis. We offer a complimentary, no‑obligation eligibility assessment with one of our R&D tax specialists, followed by a tailored quotation for our services.
During the early stages of our engagement with you, our expert consultant and compliance team will offer a free, no-obligation review of prior R&D tax credit submissions to ensure your claim is accurately calculated, fully aligns fully with HMRCs updated guidance, and is compliant with the relevant tax legislation.
ContactWe would be happy to help you, please get in touch with any queries by using our contact form. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
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