Making a Claim…

If a company has already submitted its Corporation Tax Return for an accounting period it should be possible to file an amended Return providing that this is done within 2 years of the accounting reference date (subject to claim notification rules noted below). Apart from understanding what qualifies and collating the correct costs it will be important to prepare and submit a technical report to support the claim in order to demonstrate to HMRC the company R&D activities. The technical report should explain the field of science and technology, qualifying projects and seek to justify the technological or scientific advance(s) and uncertainties faced (and why these were not readily deducible by a Competent Professional), together with actions taken to overcome those uncertainties as well as detailing the eligible project(s) costs.

For all claims submitted from 8 august 2023 it will be necessary to file an on-line additional information form “AIF” to HMRC in advance of a claim and confirm by checking box 657 on the CT600L..

For chargeable accounting periods commencing 1 April 2023, companies will be required to notify their intention to make a R&D tax claim within 6 months of the chargeable tax period end. Companies who have made a claim within the previous 3 periods will be exempt from this requirement (subject to anomalies - seek advice).