From precision surgery in healthcare to automating repetitive logistical tasks, advancements in robotics are transforming industries across the UK.
While the opportunities for Research & Development (R&D) in robotics are great, the opportunities for accountants to help their clients claim R&D tax relief are even greater.
Our specialist R&D tax consultants will provide you with everything you need to maximise your client’s claim.
To help you explore the possibilities for your clients within this sector our experienced team have outlined some key considerations.
What activity may qualify for R&D tax relief in robotics?
There are three core eligibility criteria for R&D tax relief:
- An advance in science and/or technology must be sought in an overall field, not just for your business.
- There must be scientific or technological uncertainty – an expert cannot say if something is technologically possible.
- You must be able to explain the work you did to overcome the uncertainty.
Some examples of robotics projects that may qualify for R&D tax relief:
- Integrating AI into robotic process automation (RPA) systems to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
- Developing energy-efficient robotics systems.
- Designing robots to operate in extreme environments (such as the deep sea).
- Improving the functionality of prosthetic limbs.
Even unfinished or abandoned projects could be eligible for R&D tax relief. randd UK’s R&D tax consultants can help you understand whether a project qualifies under the scheme.
What are the qualifying costs for R&D tax relief in robotics?
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) lists the following as qualifying costs for R&D tax relief:
- Direct R&D staff costs (including salary, wages, NIC and pension funds)
- Externally provided R&D staff
- Subcontracted R&D
- Consumable items
- Software used directly in R&D activities
- Prototypes
- Collaborative work
R&D for accountants can be a headache, since most lack the time or specialist knowledge to navigate the complexities of the R&D tax relief scheme.
We provide expert R&D help for accountants to put together a watertight claims process that will minimise the chances of HMRC enquiries.
How to help my client with R&D tax relief for robotics projects
Accountants looking to claim R&D tax relief for their clients’ robotics projects need to submit a detailed report outlining the R&D activities, the technological challenges faced, and how the project aimed to overcome them.
While the process can seem complex, working with an expert R&D tax consultant can simplify the process and help ensure that all eligible activities are captured.
R&D tax relief provides an excellent opportunity to access financial support for innovative projects. We’ll help your clients claim up to nine times more and ensure that you never miss an R&D claim deadline.
Whether the focus is on enhancing robotics technology or improving human-machine interactions, we offer accountants R&D assistance with all aspects of the process, from preparing a robust claim to resolving any challenges from HMRC.
Help your client claim R&D tax relief by contacting one of our experts today.
