R&D tax relief in 2026: what's changed

The UK R&D tax relief landscape has changed significantly. The merged scheme — combining the previous SME and RDEC schemes — applies to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024.

Headline rate: 20% above-the-line credit, post-tax effective benefit of around 15-16.2% depending on your tax position.

Loss-making 'R&D intensive' SMEs (where qualifying R&D is at least 30% of total expenditure) can still access an enhanced rate.

Documentation requirements have tightened. You now need a pre-notification (for first-time claimants) and an Additional Information Form alongside the claim itself.

The opportunity is still significant — but the bar for both eligibility and process has risen. Get it right, and R&D credits remain one of the most powerful financial tools available to UK innovators.