R&D Tax Relief (Merged Scheme & ERIS)
HMRC
What it funds
Corporation tax relief on qualifying R&D expenditure. Merged scheme gives a 20% above-the-line credit (~15-16% net); loss-making R&D-intensive SMEs can claim enhanced support (ERIS) worth up to ~27p per £1 of qualifying spend.
Who can apply
UK corporation tax payer undertaking projects that seek an advance in science or technology through resolving scientific or technological uncertainty. Claims filed with the CT return, up to 2 years back.
Key criteria
- UK limited company within the charge to corporation tax
- Qualifying R&D activity (advance + uncertainty test)
How to apply
Additional Information Form plus CT600 submission; new claimants must pre-notify HMRC within 6 months of period end. Strongly evidence-driven.
Evidence you'll need
- Technical narrative per project
- Qualifying cost breakdown (staff, EPWs, consumables, software)
- CT computations
Last checked against the official source within the last 7 days. Scheme parameters are set by the funder and can change — verify before applying, or let us do it for you.
Related schemes
Innovate UK Grant Competitions
Innovate UK
Rolling portfolio of themed R&D grant competitions for UK businesses, typically funding 25-70% of project costs across feasibility, industrial research and experimental development.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)
Innovate UK / UKRI
Funds a high-calibre graduate (Associate) plus academic team embedded in your business for 12-36 months to deliver a strategic innovation project. SMEs typically pay ~33% of project costs.
Patent Box
HMRC
Reduces corporation tax to an effective 10% on profits attributable to patented inventions and certain other IP rights.