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Documentation required for research and development tax relief

16 March 2022 / James Carstensen , Adam Rogers , Damian Smyth
Issue: 4832 / Categories: Comment & Analysis
74774
It’s all in the papers

Key points

  • HMRC is increasingly likely to enquire into claims that might have been accepted in the past.
  • Documentation of projects is key in mitigating enquiries.
  • Reliance on third parties to maintain records is not adequate – the company must keep its own records.
  • Details of the project and activities are required.
  • Expenses must be identifiable and itemised as much as possible.
  • Clarify the relationship with any third parties involved in the project.

The government’s tax relief programmes for research and development (R&D) activities are seen as a vital tool for fostering innovation within the UK in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

HMRC became more stringent in assessing claims after several high-profile tribunal cases over fraudulent expenditure claims costing taxpayers millions of pounds.

As a result of political and social pressure from these developments HMRC adopted new guidelines in April 2019 that raised the standard of care required...

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