New Expert Advisory Panel to provide industry insight on R&D Tax Relief

• HMRC appoints six independent industry specialists to the new Research and Development (R&D) Expert Advisory Panel
• New GOV.UK guidance tool helps businesses check if their projects involve R&D activities for tax purposes, before submitting a claim for tax relief
• These initiatives aim to ensure that R&D tax reliefs continue to support the UK’s most innovative businesses, in line with the government’s economic growth strategy
  

Practical enhancements to make it easier for UK firms to understand and claim Research and Development (R&D) tax relief - while reducing errors and tackling fraud - have been introduced by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). R&D tax reliefs are valuable incentives designed to encourage businesses to invest in innovative science and technology projects, driving economic growth across the UK.

These improvements include the launch of a new Expert Advisory Panel of industry specialists; an expanded reporting channel for agents; and a user-friendly free online tool to help businesses check their eligibility before submitting a R&D claim. Together, these enhancements are designed to support business innovation, improve claim accuracy, and strive to make the system work for everyone.

The newly appointed R&D Expert Advisory Panel brings together six independent experts with real world experience, offering deep sectoral knowledge across manufacturing, technological development, life sciences and AI. Those appointed are:

• Dr. Zahra Jawad - Chief Executive Officer and founder of Creasallis
• Dr. Gareth Jenkins - Vice President of Science & Technology at Quotient Sciences
• Melissa Strange - Chief Financial Officer at EnteroBiotix
• Oliver Stevens - Head of AI and Machine Learning at Becoming
• Dr. Nektaria Efthymiou - Director of Network Platform and Security Research at BT Group
• Prof. Richard Scaife – Until recently, Regional Development Director at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

Jonathan Athow, HMRC’s Director General, Customer Strategy and Tax Design, said:

“HMRC welcomes the advisory panel and their sectoral insight and expertise. Along with the new guidance tool, we are delivering on feedback from agents and businesses, making it easier for genuine innovators to access the support they deserve, while protecting the system from abuse.”

The panel’s role is to enhance the administration of R&D tax relief, advise HMRC of emerging trends, provide sectoral insight, challenge and refine guidance and help shape clearer communications for both businesses and agents. The experts have been selected for their ability to translate complex and technical concepts into practical, balanced and impartial advice, as well as for their experience in navigating multi-faceted industry challenges.

Additionally, HMRC recently launched a new interactive tool on GOV.UKthat helps businesses assess whether projects involve genuine R&D activities for tax purposes before submitting a claim for tax relief. This free tool is especially useful for those unfamiliar with the process, offering a simple way to check potential eligibility and reduce the risk of errors. It complements HMRC’s broader efforts to make the claims process more intuitive and reliable.

HMRC encourages businesses making their first R&D claim, or companies with limited experience or knowledge of R&D tax relief, to take advantage of the new online checker. These new service enhancements are designed to help businesses and innovators claim what is due - efficiently, accurately, and securely.

Following feedback from stakeholders, HMRC’s R&D Professional Bodies mailbox is now available to all agents allowing them to report concerns about misleading advice, poor technical knowledge, or potentially dishonest agent behaviour. This is part of HMRC’s broader effort to raise standards and protect claimants from bad practice.

Notes to Editors

1. HMRC is committed to improving R&D guidance to help support customers in making eligible claims for R&D tax relief.
2. The establishment of an Expert Advisory Panel for R&D Tax Reliefs was announced at Spring Budget 2024, and confirmed in the October 2024 Corporate Tax Roadmap, signalling a major step forward in fostering innovation and improving administration of the tax reliefs.
3. The panel was established to help tackle the growing complexity of managing R&D tax reliefs, especially in rapidly evolving fields like technology, AI and life sciences.
4. As the government aims to boost innovation, while reducing fraudulent or erroneous claims, this Expert Advisory Panel brings together innovative industry specialists with technical expertise and insight to support HMRC.
5. Panel member biographies are available at Research and Development Expert Advisory Panel (RDEAP) - GOV.UK
6. The panel of independent advisors is expected to meet once a quarter.
7. Information about R&D tax reliefs can be found at Claiming Research and Development (R&D) tax relief - GOV.UK
8. The interactive guidance tool has been launched to assist business’ decision making when considering submitting a R&D tax relief claim - Check if a project includes activities that qualify as Research and Development for tax purposes - GOV.UK.
9. It is not mandatory to use the tool. The aim is to support those who have limited knowledge or experience of R&D tax reliefs. It is for guidance purposes and does not constitute tax advice.
10. The interactive guidance tool sessions will end after 15 minutes of inactivity, as is usual for such online services.
11. Follow HMRC’s Press Office on X @HMRCpressoffice