The tool is designed to check R&D tax relief for eligible projects.
The UK’s HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issued guidance on 30 September 2025 introducing an online tool designed to help taxpayers assess whether a project contains activities that meet the criteria for R&D tax relief.
The tool to help businesses check whether their projects contain activities that qualify as Research and Development (R&D) for tax purposes. R&D tax relief supports UK companies working on innovative projects in science and technology, but only activities that meet the official definition can be claimed. The tool is designed both for companies new to R&D tax relief and for those seeking additional clarity when preparing a claim.
The tool guides users through the key criteria for qualifying projects and highlights what information is needed before making a claim. It provides HMRC’s view based on the details entered, with links to supporting guidance to ensure accurate answers. In some cases, responses may need input from a competent professional, whose expertise and evidence play an important role in assessing eligibility. Users are encouraged to save or print their results, along with the information provided, to support future claims or compliance checks.
While the tool helps confirm whether a project involves qualifying R&D activities, this does not automatically mean all costs can be claimed for relief. Companies must still follow HMRC’s detailed steps for identifying eligible expenditure and keeping proper records. Additional guidance is available on key aspects such as the role of a competent professional, identifying qualifying activities, and best practice in preparing claims.
