CIRD99100 - R&D tax credits: accountancy: SSAP13

SSAP13 is the UK standard for accounting for R&D.

The standard addresses the question of what is R&D and says how expenditure on R&D should be treated. If HMRC officers want advice on SSAP13 they can find some material relating to the Standard on the Commissioners’ Advisory Accountant intranet site.

How SSAP13 treats the expenditure

Expenditure on pure and applied research can be regarded as part of the continuing operation required to maintain a company’s business and its competitive position. The costs should be written off as they are incurred.

The development of new products is distinguishable from pure and applied research. It is normally undertaken with a reasonable expectation of specific commercial success and of future benefits arising from the work, either from increased revenue and related profits or from reduced costs.

It is permitted to capitalise development expenditure in the balance sheet if certain criteria are met. (You should not confuse this accountancy use of the word capitalise with the question of whether or not it is capital for tax purposes, see CIRD81700.)

Even if these conditions are satisfied SSAP13 does not require the costs to be capitalised in the balance sheet. It merely provides an option - write off the expenditure immediately or capitalise the expenditure in the balance sheet. The financial statements should disclose whichever policy is adopted.

HMRC officers with questions concerning accountancy should consult their local Revenue Accountant.