By Steve. A Shaw

Research and Development (R&D) tax relief is a United Kingdom (UK) government scheme that encourages people to invest in the science and technology field. Through this scheme, the companies get extra tax allowances that in turn reduce their tax bill. In addition, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that wallow in losses can get cash credit that they can use to strengthen their businesses. The UK HM revenue and customs system processes these transactions. However, although the benefits of using R&D tax credits are many, a number of SMEs still misinterpret or overlook these funds. They should implement effective strategies for tapping into the valuable cash refunds that this system offers to businesses yearly.

Individuals should understand that R&D tax credits are not only available to those who have laboratories. In addition, they should dispel the misconception that people can only claim these funds after conducting a breakthrough research. Essentially, this scheme rewards the heightened activity of SMEs by helping them to produce and improve their services and/or products. It is, therefore, an interesting opportunity that all industrial players should exploit.

SMEs that are involved in any form of research and development in the UK can easily claim tax relief. This possibility is a result of the relaxed rules that people have to adhere to while claiming these R&D tax credits. For instance, the finance act 2010 removed the intellectual property requirement that limited access to these credit funds. Consequently, they scrapped the requirement for intellectual property rights when SMEs wanted to claim R&D tax Credits. They can now file their R&D expenditure for accounting years that spanned through 2009.

Even with the relaxed rules, businesses still have to pass an array of tests when filling their R&D claims. They should ensure that they conform to these tests and that the expenditure filled only involved research activities. Principally, SMEs that want to benefit from this scheme must qualify for these tests:

Section 174 Test

This stresses that people must do research related to their job profiles or businesses. It also ensures that people only file expenditures that they directly incurred when conducting laboratory studies or experiments related to the research. For instance, they should cover expenses incurred when improving an existing or developing a new product or service.

Technological Information Test

This test expects applicants to have used reliable engineering, computer science and other scientific principles when conducting their research. They should work towards alleviating the uncertainty as stipulated in section 174 tests.

Business Component Test

Discovered information must be applicable to improved or new business concepts. It expects peoples research results be applicable to a specific business component.

Process of Experimentation Test

This test expects that businesses imply an experimental approach when carrying out their research activities. For instance, they should identify the forces that introduce uncertainty to their business components and find a way to deal with them. As a result, they can formulate ways of creating or improving a business component.

Finally, people who conduct their research in foreign countries of receive funding from third parties do not qualify for R&D Tax Credits. SMEs that strictly follow these guidelines will enjoy the benefit that comes with these credits.

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