R&D Tax Relief — Merged RDEC Scheme

The Merged R&D Expenditure Credit (Merged RDEC) is the current UK R&D tax relief for all companies with accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024. It replaced both the old RDEC (large companies) and old SME R&D relief. Any company chargeable to Corporation Tax that carries out qualifying R&D — projects seeking an advance in science or technology that resolve genuine scientific or technological uncertainty — can claim a 20% above-the-line taxable credit on qualifying costs. The credit is classed as trading income ('above-the-line'), meaning it appears in company accounts before tax and can be used to offset Corporation Tax, other tax liabilities, or paid out as cash after the PAYE cap (£20,000 + 300% of relevant PAYE/NIC liabilities). Self-claimed on Corporation Tax return (CT600) with mandatory Additional Information Form (since 8 August 2023) and advance notification for first-time or 3-year-gap claimants. No application portal; no competitive review. Mathematical advances qualify from 1 April 2023. Overseas expenditure restrictions apply.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.