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A detailed summary of the First-tier Tribunal’s decision in Realbuzz Group Ltd v HMRC (May 2025), focusing on the limits of HMRC’s discovery assessment powers in relation to R&D tax relief claims. We touch on key tribunal issues including the “hypothetical officer” test, the importance of adequate disclosure, and the legal protections available to taxpayers. The ruling offers important guidance for companies claiming R&D tax credits and clarifies HMRC’s ability to revisit prior-year claims.
We’re proud to share that TBAT Innovation has successfully completed an extraordinary coast-to-coast cycling challenge across the Scottish Highlands. The ride was undertaken to raise awareness and vital funds for Stand Against MND, a charity founded by our late colleague, Sam Perkins.
The May 2025 Research & Development Communication Forum (RDCF) returned to an in-person format for the first time since the pandemic. Held in a historic setting with a focus on open dialogue, the forum covered key updates from HMRC, including policy changes, operational performance, and ongoing efforts to improve the R&D claims process. In this article, we share updates from the RDCF and our reflections on what it all means for businesses and advisors moving forward.
TBAT Innovation has been named the winner of the Innovation in Service Delivery Award at the prestigious Medilink Midlands Business Awards 2025. The award, sponsored by Datalink Electronics, recognises TBAT Innovation’s impactful Innovation Challenge – a flagship initiative supporting innovation-driven UK SMEs.
HMRC has launched two open consultations as of March 2025 that could significantly impact tax advisers and businesses claiming R&D tax relief. One aims to strengthen enforcement against non-compliant tax advisers, while the other looks to improve the underused Advance Assurance scheme for R&D tax relief. These developments follow last year's broader "Raising Standards" consultation, which is still in progress.
Thinking about claiming tax relief for your video game project? If you're developing games in the UK, it’s important to understand the two available support schemes, Video Game Tax Relief (VGTR) and the newer Video Games Expenditure Credit (VGEC). Each comes with its own rules, benefits, and eligibility criteria, and the choice between them can have a real impact on your claim.
As HMRC continues to reform the R&D tax relief system, a key new requirement is catching many businesses by surprise: the Claim Notification Form. This form is now mandatory in certain cases before a company can submit an R&D tax claim, and missing the deadline can mean losing out on valuable tax relief altogether. For accountants, staying ahead of this change is essential.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has confirmed that UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is set to receive a substantial budget of £8.8 billion for the 2025–2026 financial year. Explore the changes, and what the 2025-2026 UKRI budget means for the future of UK Research and Innovation.
In the Spring Statement of March 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced proposed reforms to the UK's £8 billion research and development (R&D) tax credit scheme. A key proposal is the potential introduction of mandatory advance assurances, requiring companies to confirm the eligibility of their projects for R&D tax credits before submitting claims.
HMRC Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is a dedicated team within HMRC that scrutinises claims for potential fraud. Facing an investigation by the HMRC Fraud Investigation Service can be daunting, but the key is to stay engaged and provide all necessary information. Explore the steps of an investigation in our latest article.
Assists organisations in accessing research and development grant funding across a range of UK and EU schemes and industry sectors.
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