Research and Development (R&D)

​

Small and medium (SME) companies can claim enhanced deductions for expenditure on R&D projects at 230% of qualifying expenditure. Where the deduction is claimed and the company makes a loss, it can claim a cash credit from HMRC of 14.5% of that loss.

Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) scheme

Large companies can claim an 11% uplift on the following qualifying expenditure:

• Staffing costs

• Expenditure on externally provided workers

• Software and materials

• Contributions to independent research

• Subcontractors of qualifying bodies and individuals/partnerships

RDEC differs from the previous R&D scheme for large companies as it is an 'above the line' tax credit and can be accounted for in the profit/loss statement.

Enterprise Zones

​

Around 53 enterprise zones have been formed around the country to encourage investment and job formation. Businesses in some of those zones can claim 100% capital allowances on the equipment they use within the zone. The period for which those 100% allowance are available has been extended by three years to 31 March 2020.

See our helpsheet an introduction to capital gains tax.