DoesYour Company Qualify for a Tax Credit?
IntroductIon
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Since its introduction in 2004, the research and development (“R&D”) tax credit has been improved and extended. Since 2009, cash refunds of unused R&D credits can be claimed. Finance Act 2012 has further improvements, including rewarding some staff by transferring R&D credits to them to claim income tax relief. A recent survey suggests fewer than 20% of Irish companies have made claims, so many companies must be missing out on this valuable relief. As defined, R&D is much broader than many realise, and covers far more than white- coated technicians in labs. Consider its potential application to your company, particularly if a cash refund is possible.
Expenditure that qualifies
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Certain criteria must be met to be “qualifying activities” for the R&D credit, including the areas of science and technology where work was carried out. In some areas, R&D activity is obvious (e.g. pharmaceuticals) but software development, engineering, food production, health and agriculture are other areas where relief may be available. Companies often underestimate the categories of qualifying R&D expenditure. In addition to direct R&D costs, indirect expenses (support staff wages, rent, and many others) can be included by reasonable apportionment.
General overview
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If it meets the conditions, a company can claim a corporation tax credit equal to 25% of its “incremental” expenditure on qualifying R&D activities over the “base year” spending level. The R&D credit is in addition to the “normal” 12.5% deduction. The incremental qualifying expenditure may be capital (a new building or machine) or revenue (salaries, materials) in nature, with direct and indirect expenditure qualifying. Grant-aided expenditure does not qualify. The activities need not be carried out in Ireland. Though aimed mainly at in-house R&D activity, sub-contracted work can qualify, subject to monetary limits.
Method of claiming credit
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The claim is included in the corporation tax return, Form CT1. While no supporting documentation is needed on making a claim, it should be in place as Revenue often audit R&D claims, particularly where cash refunds of unused R&D credits arise.
Time limit for claims
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Claims must be made within one year of the end of the accounting period in which the R&D expenditure was incurred. Any R&D tax credit not claimed by then is lost.