R&D tax credits

Complacency and under-claiming on R&D tax credits ‘stifling innovation’ Financial Director features a report on how 70% of UK firms are significantly under-claiming R&D tax credit claims each year. It is noted that the commitment and approach of the businesses’ advisors must be questioned, considering that the UK government plans to increase the rate of UK R&D investment to 2.4% of GDP, a rise from the current rate of 1.6%. It is suggested that one reason why the majority of generic firms take a risk-averse approach, minimising claims and choosing to avoid HMRC questions where possible, is that the process of claiming R&D tax credits is complex, and that a “lack of confidence or the latest knowledge results in a risk averse culture leading to endemic under-claiming.”