Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief
Supporting innovative companies, maximising ambitious growth
Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief
Innovation deserves the right support. At Azets, we don’t see R&D tax credits or Patent Box in isolation – we take a holistic approach, aligning research and development tax relief claims with your wider business strategy. From early-stage funding and patent development through to future transactions, our R&D tax specialists provide end-to-end support, helping you maximise reliefs while staying compliant and future-ready.
Comprehensive expertise
Our team comprises CTA-qualified tax professionals, ex-HMRC inspectors, technology specialists and industry leaders – this breadth and depth of knowledge ensures your R&D tax claim is accurate and robust.
End-to-end support
From pre-notification to final submission, we manage the process, deadlines, and HMRC compliance on your behalf.
Tailored and flexible
We offer adaptable scopes of work, with flexible fees and no long-term contracts, so you get exactly the support you need.
Trusted and regulated
As ICAEW-regulated advisers with a client-first culture, we combine local delivery with national backing for a seamless, reliable service.
What is R&D tax relief?
- Improving cash flow through tax savings or credits
- Creating capacity for reinvestment in growth and innovation
- Supporting investment in your people and skills
- Unlocking new opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach
- Developing new products, services, or processes
- Enhancing existing products or making them more efficient, sustainable, or cost-effective
- Investing in projects with uncertain technological outcomes
- Staffing and agency worker costs directly or indirectly involved in R&D
- Consumables such as materials, power, and water used in R&D activities
- Software required for research and development
- Payments to subcontractors for eligible R&D work
- Prototype development and testing costs
How Azets can support your R&D tax claim
- A personal, approachable service
With friendly faces, at the end of the phone, we pride ourselves in building relationships and being responsive, understanding the importance of these reliefs to you. - End-to-end R&D support
From tracking pre-notification to filing the Additional Information Form and company tax return to managing HMRC communications. - Partner-led service
Every claim is overseen by an experienced R&D tax partner, giving you direct access to senior expertise. - Specialist teams with diverse backgrounds
Our R&D experts include CTA-qualified tax professionals, individuals with technical industry knowledge and ex-HMRC inspectors. - Local delivery with national backing
Your claim is managed by a local Azets R&D specialist team, supported by Azets’ national R&D infrastructure. - Flexible fee structures
We offer contingent fees (for non-audit clients), fixed fees, or phased payment options depending on your needs. - Tax Investigation Service
For existing compliance clients, an optional Tax Investigation Service to cover the cost of dealing with HMRC enquiries.
Expert support is more critical than ever
Our team, your advantage
Sector expertise
“Our specialists bring deep knowledge across construction, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, technology, engineering and creative and media. They help identify qualifying projects, highlight hidden opportunities and help maximise the value of your R&D tax credit or Patent Box claim.”
Tax oversight
“Chartered tax advisers and accountants oversee your claim from start to finish, reviewing eligible costs, ensuring compliance and making certain that all available reliefs are fully captured.”
Quality assurance and HMRC support
“Former HMRC inspectors and quality experts thoroughly review your claim, providing confidence that it is robust, fully compliant and ready for submission.”
“Omnitool has developed a strong relationship with Azets over a number of years and continue to choose them as its advisor of choice. They have a clear understanding of our business and structure the claim process to accommodate this, making the whole process, from start to finish, easy and efficient. The Azets R&D tax team are highly experienced and knowledgeable, and we fully trust that they will provide robust claims.”
Mark McKell, Managing Director
Omnitool Precision Engineering
Our R&D, Patent Box and innovation leads
Other innovation reliefs
Patent Box – Maximise the value of your innovations
Innovative businesses can benefit from the UK’s Patent Box regime, which offers a reduced Corporation Tax rate of just 10% on profits from patented technologies. Our specialists can help you structure, protect, and commercialise your intellectual property to unlock these tax advantages.
Creative Sector Tax Reliefs & AVEC
UK creative businesses can access government-backed incentives to reduce production costs and reinvest in future projects. The Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) and other Creative Sector Tax Reliefs (CSTRs) support film, television, animation, theatre, and more, helping boost cash flow and production capacity.
Creating improved value through IP
Your intellectual property is a key driver of long-term business value. Our specialists help you identify, structure, and enhance that value through strategic R&D planning, tax and IP advice, valuation, and support with funding or future transactions. By aligning your innovation, tax, and finance strategies across the UK and internationally, we help you increase the growth achievable from your intellectual property.
"I’ve worked in the field for over 13 years, and I thoroughly believe that our tax, technology and investigation specialists working together deliver the best result in terms of service, quality and risk management for our clients."
Gemma Monaghan, UK Head of R&D Tax
Contact a specialist
Latest related insights
Driving UK Innovation: Azets' Advocacy for R&D Tax Relief and the Government's Response
Research and Development (R&D) tax reliefs are a cornerstone of the UK economy, empowering businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), to innovate, create jobs, and foster long-term economic growth.
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Avoiding common R&D Tax relief pitfalls: Five real-world lessons
As the UK’s research & development (R&D) tax relief regime continues to evolve, so too do the challenges and risks associated with making a claim.