Tax Issues in Research & Development

R&D Tax Relief courses cover:

• Principles of Research and Development relief; what qualifies for relief; looking beyond the R&D pharmaceutical industry
• The Small Company Regime:
  • Which companies qualify under the Small Company R&D Regime?
  • The Choice between CT deductions and research & development tax credits
• The Large Company Regime:
  • The impact of the increases in R&D tax credits on the regime
• Claiming for sub-contracted work:
  • Parameters and limitations
• The new territorial limitations:
  • How these will work
  • What R&D industry outside the UK can still be claimed?

• Advance reporting requirements commenced in August 2023 and digital reporting
• Case Law: we review most case law developments as HMRC take a more robust approach to claims.

• Structuring an R&D Report:
  • How to make the report credible and accurate
• Common errors covered in R&D tax credit training:
  • HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) has given guidance on common errors and R&D tax relief claims
  • We review the actions to avoid
• Agent’s responsibilities when signing CT600:
  • Often the agent responsible for preparing the CT600 may not have been involved in the original R&D report
  • We look at the level of responsibilities of all parties
• Lessons from tax cases on R&D:
  • HMRC has recently successfully challenged several R&D claims in the courts. Our R&D workshop explores key lessons from the cases in research and development that HMRC has won and where they have lost
• 2024 changes:
  • Finance Act 2023 implemented significant changes to the R&D Regime
  • 2024 saw more changes such as further restrictions on R&D claims and the merger of the SME (Small and medium-sized enterprises) and RDEC (Research and Development Expenditure Credit) Regimes
  • The new R&D intensive regime for SME’s

Redcliffe's R&D tax relief courses are led by an accomplished tax professional and Director of a specialist consultancy firm focusing on taxation, share schemes, and reward strategies. He has designed bespoke share scheme services for SMEs and offers high-level advisory services to FTSE-listed companies on matters of communication and taxation. His expertise spans the full spectrum of Direct Taxation, with a keen interest in employment taxation and transfer pricing—both of which present complex, conceptual challenges. This prominent mix of expertise and attentiveness permeates through his engaging R&D workshops.

With nearly nine years at Henderson, where he managed the Share Schemes team, he gained significant industry experience. His qualifications include a CIPD Level 7 Masters, achieved during his tenure. Before this, while at Australian Mutual Provident (AMP), he played an instrumental role in creating one of the UK’s earliest Share Incentive Plans (SIP), so ground-breaking that HMRC reached out to him for guidance on encouraging wider corporate adoption.

R&D tax relief courses are delivered by an expert who began his career in taxation. The trainer’s 16-year career in taxation also includes senior roles in three of the "Big Four" firms, culminating in a Senior Manager position at Deloitte. His work covered a broad array of issues, including profit-related pay, expatriate tax, share schemes, reward management, US taxation, and corporate tax.

When he's not delivering expert R&D tax relief courses and tax training, he enjoys cricket, history, skiing, tennis, and gardening. His passion for history also translates into giving lectures, where he keeps his presentation skills sharp, up-to-date and engaging. This distinct level of enthusiasm, passion and expertise is what he brings to each-and-every session, ensuring that participants gain valuable insights, understanding and knowledge into the nuances of R&D training.

R&D Tax Credit training equips participants with the essential skills to identify R&D opportunities. These in-depth sessions offer a broader insight into the principles underlying R&D claims, including anticipated changes over the next 12 months and strategies for preparation.

Participants will also gain practical insights through real-world case studies, enhancing their ability to assess and navigate the R&D landscape effectively.

Redcliffe’s comprehensive R&D tax credit training is designed to:

• Equip participants with the expertise to identify and capitalise on R&D tax opportunities.
• Provide a clear understanding of the fundamental principles underpinning R&D claims and how these are evolving over the next 12 months.
• Prepare attendees for the changing landscape of R&D tax reliefs, particularly in light of new compliance requirements and potential risks.
• Offer practical insights into how recent regulatory changes, such as those in the Finance Act 2023 and HMRC enforcement actions, impact R&D tax strategies.

R&D Tax Relief courses at Redcliffe Training take a practical look at claims while considering developments over the last 12 months. Training includes the FA2023 and HMRC’s enforcement action.

Differentiating itself from similar courses, our training delves into case law related to research and development allowances in the courts, examining how these legal precedents will impact future R&D claims. This focus ensures that participants of our R&D course gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape and the subsequent implications for claims strategies.

Sessions are delivered by a specialist with extensive industry experience, ensuring that participants benefit from real-world insights rather than just theoretical knowledge. This practical approach makes our training both informative and engaging, helping attendees connect the material to their own experiences in the field.

• Up-to-the-Minute Content: Redcliffe’s R&D tax relief courses provide a detailed examination of the most recent developments in R&D tax relief, including the Finance Act 2023 and HMRC’s intensified enforcement efforts.
• Practical Focus: Rather than theoretical learning, this course incorporates real-world examples, ensuring participants can directly apply their knowledge. The inclusion of case law discussions around research and development allowances offers deeper insight into how R&D claims are being interpreted in courts and what this means for future filings.
• Expert-Led Sessions: Participants in this robust R&D course benefit from the extensive real-world experience of an instructor with decades of hands-on knowledge in industry practices. His expertise ensures that the training is not only comprehensive and accurate but also engaging and highly relevant to the challenges faced today. Attendees will gain valuable insights that bridge theory and practice, enabling them to effectively evaluate R&D opportunities when they arise.

R&D Tax Relief courses are essential for anyone involved in advising on R&D expenditure claims or reviewing them as part of the CT600 filing process. Auditors, tax advisors, and in-house staff working alongside R&D tax consultants will significantly benefit from this training, gaining the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of R&D claims effectively.

April 2023 marked a significant turning point in R&D tax relief, introducing the most radical changes since the inception of the R&D Expenditure Credit. The previous trend of increasing R&D tax deductions for small companies was dramatically reversed. In response to rising concerns over fraudulent claims, the compliance regime has been tightened, implementing new disclosure requirements and responsibilities. These changes necessitate that businesses remain vigilant in their claims and ensure robust documentation to comply with the enhanced regulations.

This research and development course also examines recent enforcement actions, including arrests linked to fraudulent R&D claims, emphasising the critical role of agents in ensuring compliance not only with tax legislation but also with the ethical standards set by their professional regulatory bodies. These developments underscore the importance of adhering to both legal and ethical guidelines in the R&D landscape.

While R&D tax relief remains an attractive incentive for UK-based innovation, participants must navigate the increasingly complex rules, including further changes set for 2024. R&D tax credit training ensures that attendees leave fully informed, and equipped to leverage R&D tax incentives while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations.