Can the rail sector claim R&D Tax Credits?
TBAT are based in the East Midlands; we are at the centre of the rail industry with rail giants such as Bombardier, Network Rail and East Midlands Trains less than a 20-minute drive from our front door.
Our innovative rail clients work primarily in the rail supply chain and are undertaking R&D to stay at the cutting edge of the industry, which can take significant investment to develop their project/product; so what can they do to re-coup some of that cost to keep innovating?
R&D Tax Credits is the answer to that! By being able to claim back up to 33% of money spent on R&D, there is a huge amount of money available to rail companies to be able to reinvest in further R&D projects! Whether the project was funded by the company, through grant funding, or was sub-contracted work, there is the potential for a claim!
We have first-hand experience dealing with clients, of various sizes, in the rail industry and have helped identify and claim against their eligible R&D activities.
Through helping our clients, having technologists that have worked in the rail industry and through research of our own, we have put together some examples of eligible R&D activities within the rail sector…
This is just an example of some of the eligible activities identified! When considering whether R&D tax credits is the right thing for you, you need to consider one thing – are you working on something that has a technical/scientific challenge that could not have been overcome by a professional in the field? If the answer to that is yes, then chances are, your project and activities are eligible to claim against.
The rail industry is heavily regulated which leads to a lot of R&D going into ensuring that there is ongoing compliance – activities ensuring new products, processes, comply to regulations can alone make your work eligible to claim R&D Tax Credits!
TBAT’s consultants are experts in R&D Tax Credits and through a short FREE consultation, we can discuss your projects and tell you whether you have a claim! Get in touch today!
When it comes to claiming R&D tax relief, many businesses in design-heavy industries often ask the same question: Can we claim for the cost of acquiring designs? While buying existing designs does not qualify for relief, the good news is that further work to modify, develop or improve those designs often does. If your business is undertaking technical design work as part of an innovation project, there may be significant relief available.
From 1 April 2026, all tax advisers, including those involved in R&D tax claims, must be registered with HMRC and meet new minimum standards to act on behalf of clients. This move is part of HMRC’s drive to raise professional standards, reduce fraud, and improve oversight within the tax advisory industry. Learn who will be affected by these changes and what at your business needs to do to stay compliant.
Assists organisations in accessing research and development grant funding across a range of UK and EU schemes and industry sectors.
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