A continuous programme of research and development for software specialists Rx-info lead them to qualify for R&D tax relief, with the help of tax experts from Thompson Jenner.
Rx-info, based at Exeter Science Park Centre, develop software for NHS Hospital Trust pharmacies and finance departments, providing them with instant access to high-quality business intelligence reports. The company’s Define software sets national benchmarks for the cost and quantity of medicines used, and helped one Trust save more than £110,000 per year.
Colin Richman, founding director of Rx-info, says, “Rx-info produces a range of software packages designed to meet the needs of primary and secondary care professionals in the NHS. As such we are involved in a continuous programme of research and development to respond to changing needs.”
The research and development that Rx-info invested in the Define software qualified for R&D tax relief but to make a successful claim submission documents have to clearly demonstrate how the project meets the qualifying criteria. Working with Rx-info, Thompson Jenner used its R&D tax expertise to create a comprehensive and robust submission which resulted in a successful claim.
Colin continues, “R&D tax credits have been an invaluable source of financial help for a company of our size, enabling us to offset some of our significant R&D costs and reinvest in the business. I strongly recommend that all companies consider their own innovation and seek the help and support of professional advisors such as Thompson Jenner to assist their review and claim process”.
Thompson Jenner partner, Jon Westley, says, “Through the R&D scheme we helped Rx-info free up cash flow for further development and growth. Given the rapid expansion of science and technology firms in Exeter and the surrounding area there is still scope for companies to take advantage of this scheme, boosting their ability to innovate.”
R&D TAX RELIEF: THE FACTS
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£1.6b extra R&D funding to provide increased investment in “housing, transport, digital infrastructure, and research and development (R&D)” was introduced in the 2018 Budget.
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Research and Development tax relief aims to support and encourage innovation, particularly in areas of science or technology.
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Funding announced mainly related to large scale initiatives but there is still plenty of scope for smaller businesses to benefit from R&D initiatives.
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This tax measure particularly benefits SMEs, enabling them to deduct an extra 130% of qualifying costs from their yearly profit on top of the normal 100% deduction.
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Larger corporations can benefit from Research and Development Expenditure Credits (RDEC) which currently provides a tax credit of 12% of qualifying R&D expenditure.
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Provisional figures released by HMRC reveal that for the 2016/17 tax year companies headquartered in the South West have so far successfully made 3,100 claims for R&D relief totalling £180m.
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In 2015/16 Devon saw 230 claims amounting to £10m
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