Reminder: Additional Information Form now needed for R&D claims
Since 8 August 2023, all R&D tax relief claims require completion of an Additional Information Form (AIF). However, we understand from HMRC that almost half of all claims submitted since that date have not been accompanied by an AIF.
This new requirement applies to claims under both the SME and RDEC schemes. The AIF must be submitted online before the R&D claim is made in the corporation tax return.
HMRC are now writing to those companies (and their agents) that have submitted claims since 8 August without also completing an AIF to advise them that their claims are not valid, and that they will be removed from the relevant tax return.
As set out in the letter, if the company is within the time limit to do so, they can amend their return to add back in the R&D claim. An AIF needs to be completed before this amendment is made.
The letter also mentions a known error preventing some RDEC claimants from making an entry in both box 655 and box 657 of the company tax return and advises what affected companies should do.
The AIF and accompanying guidance are available on gov.uk.