The hurdles that businesses face when claiming research and development (R&D) tax reliefs continue to gain coverage in the media.

According to a recent article in The Mail on Sunday, the Government’s R&D tax relief scheme – which provides a vital financial lifeline for many start-ups and small firms which need financial support to grow – has rejected valid submissions and delayed payments.

The article continues that HMRC estimates that £7.6billion in R&D tax relief was claimed by more than 90,000 firms in 2021-22 – with more than £1billion of that paid out to fraudsters, or in error.

Commenting on the issue, Natasha Frangos, Managing Partner, said: “There is a real risk that the handling of some R&D tax relief claims is undermining the Government’s own policy to support investment here in the UK. We should be removing hurdles to innovation, but this is hindering rather than helping.”

See the full article here.