Skip to main content
Home

Supporting innovative companies, maximising ambitious growth

Innovation deserves expert support. We align R&D tax relief, Patent Box and Innovation tax incentives with your wider business goals.

Contact us
Hero Banner Azets UK - R&D (1).jpg

Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief

Innovation deserves the right support. At Azets, we don’t see R&D tax credits or Patent Box in isolation – we take a holistic approach, aligning research and development tax relief claims with your wider business strategy. From early-stage funding and patent development through to future transactions, our R&D tax specialists provide end-to-end support, helping you maximise reliefs while staying compliant and future-ready.

Comprehensive expertise

Our team comprises CTA-qualified tax professionals, ex-HMRC inspectors, technology specialists and industry leaders – this breadth and depth of knowledge ensures your R&D tax claim is accurate and robust.

End-to-end support

From pre-notification to final submission, we manage the process, deadlines, and HMRC compliance on your behalf.

Tailored and flexible

We offer adaptable scopes of work, with flexible fees and no long-term contracts, so you get exactly the support you need.

Trusted and regulated

As ICAEW-regulated advisers with a client-first culture, we combine local delivery with national backing for a seamless, reliable service.

What is R&D tax relief?

R&D tax relief allows UK companies engaged in qualifying projects to either reduce their corporation tax liability or, in some cases, receive a cash payment from HMRC. Broadly, a project qualifies if it seeks to achieve an advancement in science or technology, addresses an element of uncertainty, and involves innovation.

Claiming R&D tax relief can transform your company’s financial position by:

  • Improving cash flow through tax savings or credits
  • Creating capacity for reinvestment in growth and innovation
  • Supporting investment in your people and skills
  • Unlocking new opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach

Eligible activities often include:

  • Developing new products, services, or processes
  • Enhancing existing products or making them more efficient, sustainable, or cost-effective
  • Investing in projects with uncertain technological outcomes

A wide range of expenditure may qualify for research and development tax relief, including:

  • Staffing and agency worker costs directly or indirectly involved in R&D
  • Consumables such as materials, power, and water used in R&D activities
  • Software required for research and development
  • Payments to subcontractors for eligible R&D work
  • Prototype development and testing costs

Claims must be made within two years of the Company’s accounting period end, within its tax return. An advance claim notification may be required and should be considered diligently to ensure benefit is not missed.

How Azets can support your R&D tax claim

At Azets, we go beyond preparing claims. We look at R&D tax relief in the wider context of your business strategy, ensuring your innovation projects deliver maximum value. We provide:

  • A personal, approachable service
    With friendly faces, at the end of the phone, we pride ourselves in building relationships and being responsive, understanding the importance of these reliefs to you.
  • End-to-end R&D support
    From tracking pre-notification to filing the Additional Information Form and company tax return to managing HMRC communications.
  • Partner-led service
    Every claim is overseen by an experienced R&D tax partner, giving you direct access to senior expertise.
  • Specialist teams with diverse backgrounds
    Our R&D experts include CTA-qualified tax professionals, individuals with technical industry knowledge and ex-HMRC inspectors.
  • Local delivery with national backing
    Your claim is managed by a local Azets R&D specialist team, supported by Azets’ national R&D infrastructure.
  • Flexible fee structures
    We offer contingent fees (for non-audit clients), fixed fees, or phased payment options depending on your needs.
  • Tax Investigation Service
    For existing compliance clients, an optional Tax Investigation Service to cover the cost of dealing with HMRC enquiries.

Expert support is more critical than ever

More than  £4 billion has been lost to fraud and error in R&D tax relief claims since 2020. With HMRC introducing tighter rules and increased scrutiny, having the right expertise is vital to navigate stricter rules and protect your business.

At Azets, we see R&D tax relief as part of a broader innovation lifecycle. Our specialists work with you to identify where R&D sits within your business strategy and how it can be structured to deliver the greatest benefit. We help forecast potential reliefs so they can be built into budgets and investment plans, and we advise on how projected R&D benefits can strengthen funding proposals and tender submissions. Our team can also support with due diligence and long-term planning to ensure your innovation strategy remains efficient and compliant.

We also prepare a comprehensive technical and financial analysis of your claim to meet HMRC’s latest disclosure requirements. If HMRC reviews your claim, we will manage the entire enquiry process on your behalf, guiding you every step of the way.

With extensive experience across a wide range of industries, we can support in the identification of eligible projects and costs, building a robust methodology with your team, ensuring efficiency and peace of mind.

Our team, your advantage

Sector expertise

“Our specialists bring deep knowledge across construction, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, technology, engineering and creative and media. They help identify qualifying projects, highlight hidden opportunities and help maximise the value of your R&D tax credit or Patent Box claim.”

Christopher Dale Headshot

Tax oversight

“Chartered tax advisers and accountants oversee your claim from start to finish, reviewing eligible costs, ensuring compliance and making certain that all available reliefs are fully captured.”

A headshot of Heather Williams

Quality assurance and HMRC support

“Former HMRC inspectors and quality experts thoroughly review your claim, providing confidence that it is robust, fully compliant and ready for submission.”

UK Head Shot-Sajid Ghufoor2 copy.jpg
  • Local support, national strengthExpert R&D tax advice available across 60+ UK offices.
  • R&D & sector specialistsHelping businesses unlock innovation through expert guidance.
  • Full service expertiseEnd-to-end support across tax, accounting, audit and advisory.
  • Innovation & technologySmart tools and insight for faster, more efficient solutions.

Our R&D, Patent Box and innovation leads

A nationwide team of specialists with deep expertise in technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, construction, engineering, and creative industries.

Other innovation reliefs

Patent Box – Maximise the value of your innovations

Innovative businesses can benefit from the UK’s Patent Box regime, which offers a reduced Corporation Tax rate of just 10% on profits from patented technologies. Our specialists can help you structure, protect, and commercialise your intellectual property to unlock these tax advantages.

Learn more about Patent Box tax relief
AZ UK Teaser - Patent box.jpg

Creative Sector Tax Reliefs & AVEC

UK creative businesses can access government-backed incentives to reduce production costs and reinvest in future projects. The Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) and other Creative Sector Tax Reliefs (CSTRs) support film, television, animation, theatre, and more, helping boost cash flow and production capacity.

Learn more about Creative Sector Tax Reliefs and AVEC
AZ UK Teaser - creative reliefs .jpg

Creating improved value through IP

Your intellectual property is a key driver of long-term business value. Our specialists help you identify, structure, and enhance that value through strategic R&D planning, tax and IP advice, valuation, and support with funding or future transactions. By aligning your innovation, tax, and finance strategies across the UK and internationally, we help you increase the growth achievable from your intellectual property.

AZ UK Teaser - IP.jpg

Contact a specialist

Latest related insights

Driving UK Innovation: Azets' Advocacy for R&D Tax Relief and the Government's Response

Research and Development (R&D) tax reliefs are a cornerstone of the UK economy, empowering businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), to innovate, create jobs, and foster long-term economic growth.

Learn more
AZ UK Teaser - Driving UK Innovation Azets' advocacy for R&D tax relief.jpg

Government commits £86bn to science and technology: what it means for UK Research and development

The UK government has committed £86 billion to fund research and development (R&D) as part of its Plan for Change, reinforcing its ambition for the UK to become a global hub for innovation.

Learn more
Government commits £86bn to science and technology what it means for UK Research and development .jpg

Avoiding common R&D Tax relief pitfalls: Five real-world lessons

As the UK’s research & development (R&D) tax relief regime continues to evolve, so too do the challenges and risks associated with making a claim.

Learn more
AZ UK Teaser - How to avoid common R&D Tax Relief Pitfalls.jpg

Find your local office

Find a specialist

Get in touch