HMRC Pilots R&D Help for Small Companies

H M Revenue & Customs is to pilot a new scheme to help small companies who are planning to make a claim for R&D Relief for the first time.

The 'R&D voluntary advance assurance' pilot is for small companies with fewer than 50 employees, including start-up companies, who are about to make their first R&D Relief claim. Companies which volunteer to take part will be assigned a designated R&D relief expert, who can offer one-to-one support and advice on putting a claim together.

The aim is for the company and HMRC to agree a basis for the first R&D claim and claims for the two subsequent accounting periods. HMRC has indicated that provided the company uses the agreed basis, R&D Relief claims for this period will normally be accepted as accurate without query, unless a significant issue arises.

If the initial pilot is successful, the scheme will be rolled out more widely in future. Any small companies who want to take part at this stage are advised to contact the specialist HMRC R&D Relief unit for their area.