Budget Report, economy uk, budget economic, Treasury, Corporate Tax, Pensions, reform, R&D, Research and Development - ukbudget.com

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Budget Report, economy uk, budget economic, Treasury, Corporate Tax, Pensions, reform, R&D, Research and Development - ukbudget.com
 

Research & Development

The rates for the enhanced R&D deductions are increased to 175% (from 150%) and 130% (from 125%) for the SME and large company regimes respectively from 1st April 2008. However the overall value of the payable R&D tax credit for loss making SMEs will broadly remain at 24% of the eligible spend.

As expected the SME definition is extended so that companies with up to 500 employees and turnover of less than €100m or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €86 million will be able to claim under the more generous SME rules from date of approval by the EU.
 

Our view
The changes to the R&D regime are welcomed as the overall value of the R&D regime to companies has been increased. The additional benefit will however be partly offset by the increase in the corporation tax rate for SMEs from 19% to 20% in 2007/8, 21% in 2008/9 and 22% from 2009/10. This change will not impact on the short term benefit enjoyed by loss making SMEs who will still be able to claim the current cash benefit of up to 24% of eligible spend.