Where can I get more help?

There are many sources of help and information. Here's where to go if you need more.

A general overview of R&D, why it's important to companies, and what help is available to carry out R&D (in addition to tax reliefs) is on the Research & Development pages of the DTI's website.

The Grants and Support Directory on the Business Link website details the full range of Government support for business, including grants for innovation and science.

Help from HMRC

The CIRD manual contains the most up to date and comprehensive guidance available on the R&D tax relief.

Prior to filing your corporation tax return you can discuss your prospective claim with your tax office's corporation tax team.

They will be able to help you in general terms with understanding the rules and applying them to your circumstances.

If any enquiry is opened into your return asking about the R&D tax relief claim, it can often be helpful to meet to discuss issues face to face, particularly if the technical specialist leading your R&D can be present.

As well as discussing any claim under enquiry you might like to also talk about other projects for which claims will be made in the future, to ensure the next claim is on the right track.

Details of the tax office dealing with your company's affairs will be on the self assessment return sent to you. Addresses for all tax offices can be found at contact us.

If at any time HMRC is not providing a high standard of service, you should consider bringing this to our attention so any failings can be addressed. HMRC's factsheet C/FS Complaints and putting things right (PDF 264K) explains how to do this.

Help from your accountant

Many accountants and tax advisers have experience of R&D tax relief claims and so can help apply the rules in the context of your business.

Help from your trade body

If you are a member of a trade body, they may be able to put you in touch with others who have benefited from R&D tax reliefs.