Westlock Insights

R&D Claims Previously Rejected? You May Need to Pre-Notify HMRC.

For companies whose previous R&D claims were rejected or withdrawn, particularly during HMRC’s high-volume compliance activity under the ISBC’s MREP initiative, the risk of falling within the pre-notification requirement is real.

Even if you’ve claimed before, a previously unsuccessful submission may not count as a valid claim for the purposes of exemption, meaning pre-notification could now be mandatory.

With rising scrutiny, tightening budgets, and policy shifts on the horizon, the future of the UK’s R&D tax relief scheme is anything but certain. In this article, we explore the key drivers of reform, what may lie ahead, including proposals like mandatory Advanced Clearance, and how businesses can future-proof their claims in an evolving landscape.

R&D isn’t typically confined to the initial design or prototyping stage. Within the broader engineering industry, innovation often continues through testing, refinement, integration, and production. In our latest article, we explore how qualifying R&D can arise throughout the entire product lifecycle and how businesses can better identify and substantiate these activities.

Understanding and evidencing the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty within your projects is crucial for demonstrating eligibility to claim R&D tax relief.

In our latest article, we delve into how to identify qualifying scientific or technological uncertainty in the context of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.

Chancellor's Spring Budget 2025—what does it mean for businesses? We've highlighted the key takeaways and shared our thoughts on the latest updates to R&D tax relief. Read our insights on what these changes could mean for innovation and investment.

The Autumn 2024 Budget has introduced several significant changes that will impact UK businesses, especially regarding taxation and financial support. Read more on the implications of the budget in our latest article included below.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, software companies are finding innovative ways to solve complex challenges—many of which could qualify for R&D tax relief. Our latest article explores how software firms, from startups to established leaders, can leverage these opportunities to fund further growth. We dive into what constitutes R&D in software as well as providing industry-specific examples of qualifying activities.

R&D tax relief is a government-backed initiative designed to incentivise innovation by providing financial support to companies investing in research and development. This article explores the basics of R&D tax relief, covering how it works, the types of businesses that qualify, and the wide range of activities that may fall under its scope—from developing new products to refining existing processes. Whether you're a start-up exploring new technologies or an established company driving industry advancements, understanding R&D tax relief could provide significant funding opportunities to fuel your growth.

Discover how combining Capital Allowances and R&D Tax Credits can achieve more effective and comprehensive tax relief opportunities available for your business.