For tax purposes R&D takes place where a project seeks to achieve an advance in science or technology. This definition covers a range of activities including those that fall outside the realms of “blue sky” research. As a consequence, this creates major challenges in identifying types of activities that could be categorised as R&D for tax purposes.

By developing a set of unique and innovative techniques, Lowendal Masai has successfully claimed R&D tax relief for clients in a number of industry sectors that traditionally would not be viewed as undertaking R&D for tax purposes. Our approach of building a strongly defensible case whilst working closely with both our clients and the tax authorities has enabled us to develop a wider understanding of the applicability of the relief to various industry sectors.

Maximising your R&D claim

In our experience, we often find companies are not aware that their activities could be eligible for the R&D tax relief and those that do claim, often fail to maximise the relief available to them.

Using our multi-disciplinary team of industry and R&D specialists, we are able to act as a “bridge” between the client company’s technical and the finance teams. This enables us to help our clients identify all the eligible activities, resulting in the maximisation of their claims. In addition, by providing independent assessment supported by various benchmarking services, we are able to build a very strong and defensible claim. This approach has been successfully implemented and has been highly commended by the tax authorities. A multi-disciplinary team also enables us to ensure that we minimise any disruption to our clients’ day-to-day business.

With experience of claiming R&D tax relief for both large and SME clients in a vast number of different industry sectors. In addition, we have also successfully defended a number of claims which were originally unsuccessfully submitted by third parties.

Our global R&D service

Companies often conduct R&D on an international basis whereby collaborative work is undertaken between multiple overseas entities. LowendalMasaï offers a global service to help companies plan and optimise their R&D activities.