What is the RDEC scheme?

The Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) is given as a taxable credit worth 20% of the qualifying R&D expenditure. For accounting periods starting 1 April 2024, the RDEC scheme continues as a merged, single R&D scheme for large businesses and SMEs.

Companies can still claim under the previous RDEC scheme for expenditure incurred on or after 1 April 2023, this page refers to the previous scheme.

What are the current RDEC rates?

How can you benefit from the RDEC rate?

Prior to the merged scheme, for expenditure incurred from 1 April 2023, the R&D tax credit rate under RDEC means that large companies get 15% of their R&D spending refunded. 

RDEC allows the benefit of R&D to be accounted for within the Profit and Loss (P&L) account, above profit before tax, rather than only through the tax account. 

The RDEC also enhances the company’s earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and, therefore ends up being more lucrative for larger companies. The scheme is now a straightforward subsidy against the level of R&D spend that your company incurs.

Who qualifies for the RDEC scheme?

Under the previous scheme, you are classed as an RDEC qualifying company if you and all connected companies employ more than 500 staff. Even if you and all connected companies employ fewer staff, but you have a turnover of more than €100 million and more than €86 million in gross assets, you qualify for the RDEC scheme.

In addition, if you are an SME, you might need to access the RDEC scheme if:

  • Your R&D is subsidised
  • You have applied for, or are receiving, State Aid for your R&D projects
  • You are subcontracted by a larger company
  • You are no longer a “Going Concern”

What expenditure can I claim for?

Irrespective of what industry or sector you are, we can help you identify eligible activities for R&D for tax purposes. R&D takes place when a project seeks to achieve an advance in overall knowledge or capability in a field of science or technology.

You can claim the RDEC tax credit rate of 20% against certain costs that are allowable for tax purposes on the project including:

  • Employment costs to the company including salaries, bonuses, some reimbursed costs, employers Class 1 National Insurance contributions, employers pension fund contributions
  • Subcontractor costs, although there are certain restrictions when you are claiming under the RDEC scheme, ask us to find out more
  • Externally Provided Workers (EPWs)
  • Software (revenue costs)
  • Consumable items including materials and utilities like light and heat
  • Clinical trials volunteers in the pharmaceutical industry

For full accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2023, the following R&D related costs are allowable:

  • Data licenses
  • Cloud computing

What evidence do I need to make a claim through the RDEC scheme?

We will do the heavy lifting to put your claim together. The technical and financial reports explain how your R&D project:

  • Meets HMRC’s definition of qualifying R&D activities and expenditure
  • Sought for an advance in science or technology and aimed to achieve this advance
  • Had to overcome scientific or technological uncertainty
  • Could not easily be worked out by a professional in the field

Why choose Source Advisors

robust.

We have a compliance-led approach which will ensure a robust claim is put together minimising any risk of HMRC enquiry.

understand.

We don’t start with your balance sheet. We start by walking the floors and understanding the things you do and the things you make.

specialise.

There is no conflict of interest. As this is all we do our advice will never conflict with other tax or audit advice you receive.

expertise.

You are paying for our expertise (not to support a large corporate infrastructure). Experience tells us that when other firms prepare a claim that they leave some of the value off the table. Even the biggest names.

uplift.

Source Advisors optimises claims through an expert led, detailed assessment of your activities. 

innovative.

We are not the Big 4, and we are proud of it. We are the challenger and the better pair of hands. Innovation is about pushing the boundaries and embracing uncertainty to gain advancement.

How Source Advisors can help you claim under the RDEC scheme

Irrespective of what industry or sector you are, Source Advisors can help you identify eligible R&D activities for tax purposes. Source Advisors are always on top of the latest changes in legislation. You can rely on our expertise, leaving you to focus on your main business.

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Ensure your business recognises and receives the full credit it is due with Source Advisors IP services

The Patent Box is closely linked with R&D tax relief and a company can often claim tax relief under both schemes. Source Advisors can offer you advice to optimise your claims across both schemes. Find out more about our IP services including Patent Box.

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