R&D Tax Credits

R&D relief remains a genuine cash flow tool for innovative companies, but the regime has changed: a single merged scheme now applies, compliance requirements have tightened and HMRC scrutiny has intensified. The claims that succeed are specific, well-documented and technically grounded — which is exactly how we build them.

How Much Is R&D Relief Worth Now?

For accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, a single merged scheme applies to companies of all sizes: a 20% taxable expenditure credit on qualifying R&D spend, worth a net benefit of roughly 15%–16.2% depending on your corporation tax rate.

Loss-making, R&D-intensive SMEs — those spending at least 30% of total expenditure on qualifying R&D — can instead claim Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS): a 186% deduction and a payable credit worth up to 14.5% of the surrenderable loss. We identify which route applies and quantify the benefit before you commit.

Who We Help

Software and technology teams building novel platforms, tooling or data-driven systems. Engineering and manufacturing businesses improving processes, materials or performance. Life sciences and technical product companies with documented experimentation and iteration. Finance teams that need a predictable, auditable, repeatable claim process.

What We Do

Qualifying assessment: we map projects to HMRC's criteria — the advance sought, the scientific or technological uncertainties, the competent professionals involved and the systematic work carried out.

Cost identification and computation: we identify qualifying costs (staff, materials, software, eligible subcontracting) with a documented basis for inclusion and consistent methodology year to year.

Technical narrative: we produce narratives that are specific and measurable — focused on uncertainties and advances, not marketing language.

Submission and query support: we prepare the required Additional Information Form, file the claim with your corporation tax return and handle any HMRC queries with structured evidence.

Compliance Has Tightened

Every claim must now be accompanied by an Additional Information Form detailing projects, costs and contacts, and first-time claimants (or those who haven't claimed recently) must notify HMRC of their intention to claim within a strict window after the period ends — miss it and the claim is lost. HMRC enquiry rates into R&D claims have risen sharply, so defensibility is no longer optional. Our process is built around evidence from day one.

Our R&D Claim Process

1. Scoping workshop — identify qualifying projects, confirm the right scheme and define the evidence needed.

2. Technical narrative drafting — document advances and uncertainties with your technical leads.

3. Cost compilation and review — gather and validate cost categories with clear allocation methods.

4. Submission and support — file the Additional Information Form and claim, and handle any follow-up with structured evidence.

What You Get With Acumon

• Merged scheme and ERIS claims — the right route, properly quantified
• Qualifying assessment mapped to HMRC's criteria
• Cost identification with a documented basis for inclusion
• Specific, measurable technical narratives
• Additional Information Forms and claim notifications handled
• HMRC enquiry support with structured evidence

Why Acumon for R&D Tax Credits?

• Evidence-led claims prepared with your technical leads and finance team
• Case study: secured ongoing annual R&D tax credits of approximately £100,000 for a fleet management data company
• R&D claims coordinated with Patent Box and corporation tax planning by the same team

Get a Fixed-Fee Quote

Tell us what you need and we'll come back within one business day with a clear scope and a fixed price — no hourly-rate surprises. Call 020 8567 3451 or use the form and we'll be in touch.