Our Response to R&D Tax Reliefs Consultation

Summary of Recommendations

Unleash the true potential of creative ideas by expanding the scope of HM Treasury’s definition of Research & Development (R&D) to include the arts, humanities, and social sciences, adopting the definition laid out in the Frascati Manual 2015.
Open up access to a greater diversity of creative businesses and entrepreneurs by ensuring a greater level of clarity and guidance on creative industries R&D activity which meets HMRC criteria and by increasing the qualifying expenditure permitted for freelance workers.
Guarantee equality of opportunity by providing R&D tax inspectors with sector-specific training to help assess applications effectively and a sector-targeted service for those who cannot afford the support of specialist accountants