Is R&D tax relief still worth claiming in 2026?

UK · 2026-10-06

1. Step 1 · The triggerHMRC stabilises post-reform R&D tax relief with merged scheme and ERIS tier, raising compliance requirements
2. Step 2 · Knock-onmarginal claimants exit (claims volume -26%) while sophisticated claimants extract more per claim (+33% average value)
3. Step 3 · Knock-onSME innovation financing shifts from broad subsidy to targeted, audited support with higher advisory and record-keeping costs
4. Step 4 · Knock-onR&D-intensive SMEs face a step-change in compliance burden — specialist advice and contemporaneous documentation become essential to secure and defend claims
5. Step 5 · Reaches youthe SME's effective net benefit depends on whether advisory costs and enquiry risk are offset by the enhanced relief for R&D-intensive or loss-making firms

The trigger is reported by the source below. The steps that follow are Branch²’s traced reasoning — how the shock could reach a business like yours, not a prediction.

Source: Growth Business

This is automated analysis for information only. It is not investment advice, not a recommendation, and not a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Branch² is not authorised or regulated. Do your own research.