As per HMRC guidelines, you must complete an R&D Additional Information Form (AIF) to support your company’s claim for R&D tax relief. This requirement has been introduced to streamline compliance with HMRC regulations and to reduce ineligible claims.
Whether you are already familiar with the HMRC R&D Additional Information Form or this is your first time navigating its complexities, understanding the necessary details and how to submit the R&D Additional Information Form is essential to a successful tax relief claim process.
Throughout this guide, we will break down the essentials of the R&D AIF so you can get the most out of your claim while remaining compliant.
| At Randd, we have been one of the UK’s leading R&D tax credit specialists for over 17 years. We have successfully submitted over 5,000 claims on behalf of our clients, maximising the value of their claims and ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations. Find out how much you can claim today with our FREE R&D Tax Credit Eligibility Calculator! |
What is the HMRC R&D Additional Information Form?
The HMRC R&D Additional Information Form does what it says on the tin – it is a required document that provides HMRC with the necessary details to submit your R&D tax relief claim. It allows businesses to demonstrate how their project qualifies for relief via a ‘technical narrative’ that explains:
- How the work progresses the HMRC definition of science and technological advances
- How the project addresses a scientific or technological uncertainty
- How the R&D AIF connects R&D qualifying expenditure to the project
- How the project leads to an advancement rather than just applying existing knowledge
It is important to note that from 1st April 2024, the UK government has introduced a merged R&D Expenditure Credit (RDEC) and Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS) scheme, replacing the previous individual SME and RDEC schemes. While both schemes follow the same expenditure structure, the calculation method differs. Businesses eligible for ERIS can opt into the merged scheme, but cannot claim under both.
Completing the R&D AIF and submitting correctly is a critical step to ensuring your claim’s validity and maximising outcome. Maintaining compliance under ever-changing HMRC guidelines can be complex, so it is always best to incorporate professional guidance to avoid delays and queries.
| Did You Know? A 2024 HMRC study revealed that 25.8% of R&D tax relief claims made by SMEs were delayed or withdrawn due to error. You can trust our team of specialist R&D AIF and tax relief experts to assist you throughout the R&D claim process – don’t hesitate to contact us for professional guidance and support. |
What Information is Required for R&D AIF?
As well as details of the technical narrative, your business’s R&D AIF must include key financial and operational details before submitting to HMRC. Ensuring all information included is accurate and complete is vital to ensuring a smooth claim process.
When completing your HMRC R&D Additional Information Form, you must include:
- Company Details – This includes PAYE reference number and VAT registration number.
- Senior R&D Contact – The contact details of the person responsible for the claim.
- Accounting Claim Period Start & End Dates – This is so HMRC can ensure your claim falls in the correct financial year.
- R&D Intensity Details – This will reveal the total expenditure spent on R&D.
- Total Relevant Expenditure – An overview of the costs being claimed.
- Detailed Breakdown of Qualifying Expenditure – A cost breakdown of different R&D qualifying costs recognised by HMRC.
- Project Details – Depending on your company’s size and R&D intensity, HMRC may require additional information on R&D projects.
How to Submit R&D Additional Information Form
Submitting your company’s R&D AIF correctly is vital to ensuring HMRC can process your claim efficiently. Typically, a business or tax agent service will submit the R&D Additional Information Form through HMRC’s online portal, with a separate submission required for each accounting period in which an R&D tax relief claim is made.
Key considerations for submission include:
- The R&D AIF must be submitted before or simultaneously as the Company Tax Return (CT600).
- Late submissions (after the CT600 has been filed) could result in the claim being considered incomplete and potentially denied.
- Providing a detailed and accurate R&D AIF to maximise your claim and ensure compliance with HMRC requirements.
Streamline the R&D AIF Submission Process with Randd
Due to its complexities, handling an HMRC R&D Additional Information Form without expert guidance can be challenging. An accurate and well-prepared form is key to maximising your R&D tax relief claim and securing the relief your business is entitled to.
At Randd, we have achieved over £250million in tax credit claims for our clients. Our team of competent professionals are specialists in R&D AIF submissions and are here to support you throughout the process, ensuring you have a successful claim process, completed efficiently.
Don’t risk a delayed tax claim or rejected submission – call our professional R&D tax team today at 01332 409 711 or email [email protected] for expert guidance and support!
