Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief
Supporting innovation, maximising relief
Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief
Innovation deserves the right support. At Azets, we don’t see R&D or Patent Box in isolation – we take a holistic approach, aligning relief claims with your wider business strategy. From early-stage funding and patent development through to future transactions, our specialists provide end-to-end support, helping you maximise reliefs while staying compliant and future-ready.
Comprehensive expertise
Our CTA-qualified tax professionals and industry experts ensure your claim is accurate, efficient, and maximises available benefits.
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?
- Developing new products, services, or processes
- Enhancing existing products or making them more efficient, sustainable, or cost-effective
- Carrying out improvements in back-office systems or operations
- 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
- 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
How Azets can support your R&D tax claim
- End-to-end R&D support
From tracking pre-notification to filing the Additional Information Form and company tax return. - 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 and individuals with technical industry knowledge. - Local delivery with national backing
Your claim is managed by a local team, supported by Azets’ national R&D infrastructure. - Flexible fee structures
Contingent fees (for non-audit clients), fixed fees, or phased fees depending on your needs. - Tax Investigation Service
For existing compliance clients, an option to cover the cost of dealing with HMRC enquiries. - A personal, approachable service
We take the time to understand your wider business objectives and tailor our advice accordingly.
Our team, your advantage
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."
Sector expertise
"Our specialists bring deep knowledge across construction, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, technology, engineering and creative and media. They identify qualifying projects, highlight hidden opportunities and help maximise the value of your R&D or Patent Box claim."
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."
I am grateful to the experienced team at Azets for supporting Incredible Husk through the R&D tax credit process and general business advisory services. The subject matter expert team of technologists and tax specialists lead by Stuart Bentley delivered a thorough, professional, and speedy service, with clear communication throughout. As a first-time claimant, the complexities appeared daunting, but the knowledgeable team supported us through both the technology and financials, and we are delighted with the high-quality result. I would undoubtedly recommend Azets to other businesses looking for outstanding R&D tax credit claim service. The tax benefit we received has been invaluable and has helped us continue innovative work in our field.
Keith Ridgeway, CEO
Incredible Husk International Group
Our National Heads of R&D
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.
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
Driving UK Innovation: Azets' advocacy for R&D tax relief
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.
Government commits £86bn to science and technology: what it means for UK Research and development
The UK government has committed £86 billion to fund research and development (R&D) as part of its Plan for Change, reinforcing its ambition for the UK to become a global hub for innovation.
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.