--- title: "R&D Tax Credits for Startups | Hypergility | Hypergility" description: "Maximise your UK R&D tax credit claims. Get a free review of your eligibility and unlock funding for your startup." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebPage", "name": "R&D Tax Credits for Startups | Hypergility", "description": "Maximise your UK R&D tax credit claims. Get a free review of your eligibility and unlock funding for your startup.", "url": "https://hypergility.com/rnd-claims", "datePublished": "2026-02-25T09:14:13.109297+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-05-17T23:04:56.367901+00:00", "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Hypergility", "url": "https://hypergility.com" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "R&D Tax Credits for Startups | Hypergility", "description": "Maximise your UK R&D tax credit claims. Get a free review of your eligibility and unlock funding for your startup.", "datePublished": "2026-02-25T09:14:13.109297+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-05-17T23:04:56.367901+00:00", "author": [ { "@type": "Person", "name": "Cris Iyer", "jobTitle": "Founder" } ], "mainEntityOfPage": "https://hypergility.com/rnd-claims", "citation": [ { "@type": "CreativeWork", "name": "HMRC R&D Tax Credits Guidance", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/corporation-tax-research-and-development-rd-reliefs" }, { "@type": "CreativeWork", "name": "British Business Bank Finance Hub", "url": "https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk" } ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Hypergility", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://hypergility.com/og-default.jpg" } } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What actually counts as R&D for a software startup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It is not just about writing new code. HMRC looks for projects that resolve technical uncertainties. If your team is overcoming performance bottlenecks, scaling architecture in ways that aren't 'off-the-shelf', or integrating legacy systems where no blueprint exists, you are likely eligible. Routine bug fixes won't count, but solving 'how do we make this work' usually does." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much cash can I actually get back?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For accounting periods starting after April 2024, the merged R&D Expenditure Credit (RDEC) offers a net benefit of roughly 15% on eligible spend. However, loss-making R&D intensive SMEs can still access a higher credit rate of up to 27%. For a founder spending £100k on dev salaries, this could mean a £27k cash injection." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does HMRC still check these claims manually?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, and they have ramped up compliance. HMRC now requires an 'Additional Information Form' (AIF) for every claim submitted. This means you need a rock-solid technical narrative. We ensure your documentation is technically precise and filed correctly, reducing the risk of a time-consuming enquiry that could stall your funding for months." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I claim for contractors or just full-time staff?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can claim for both, but the rules differ. Typically, you can claim 100% of relevant PAYE staff costs, whereas qualifying payments to external agencies or contractors are usually restricted to 65%. Note that for periods starting after April 2024, most overseas contractor costs are now excluded to encourage UK-based innovation and local hiring." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will this process distract my lead engineer for weeks?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. That is the problem with generalist firms. Because we understand technical architecture, we don't need a 10-hour interview to understand your stack. We audit your existing documentation and issue trackers to map the work. We only need a short high-level sync to verify the technical 'why', keeping your engineers on the roadmap." } } ] } ] --- [![Hypergility](/assets/hypergility-logo-BKOgRT51.png)for bold startups ](/) Services [Startup Grower](https://startupgrower.hypergility.io/)[Website Build](/build-your-website)[Public Sector Bids](/offerings/win-public-sector-bids)[Management Systems & Assurance](/services/management-systems) Who it's for [Are you a bold founder?](/are-you-a-bold-founder)[Innovation Hubs](/partners/innovation-hubs)[Universities](/partners/universities)[Researchers](/personas/researchers) [Why us](/why-us)[News](/news)[Try Startup Grower](https://startupgrower.hypergility.io/)[Contact](/contact) ![](https://aaiqevwzojrlzhxdxxzq.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/media-processed/208aae8c-288f-488c-a90e-1fa594925f1d/1772214275984-ffd8ffdb00430008-rnd-claims-hero.webp) # Unlock growth with innovation tax incentives Recover development costs to fuel your next build. We handle the technical justification while you stay focused on the product roadmap. No generic accounting jargon, just direct support for technical founders. ### Maximise R&D Tax Credits We help your organisation realise the full potential of innovation technological incentives. ### Reduce Corporation Tax Strategically lower your tax burden while reinvesting in what matters most — growth. ### HMRC-Compliant Claims We specialise in guiding businesses through the SME and RDEC schemes with confidence. ## Get a free review [Get a free review](/contact) Technical Founders ## Stop leaving capital on the table HMRC guidelines are dense and your time is better spent on code. Most startups miss eligible activities because they do not know how to translate development hurdles into tax language. We audit your sprints and technical architecture to map real work to claimable categories. We produce robust technical narratives that stand up to inspection without wasting your engineering resources. Your claim is filed accurately and your runway is extended. You get back to shipping features with a cash injection secured by your own innovation. We provide technical precision that standard accountants cannot reach. ### What you bring The technical complexity, the failed builds, and the breakthroughs required to build your proprietary technology. ### What we add Technical narrative construction that maps your engineering challenges directly to current HMRC legislation. ### What changes The financial cost of innovation drops. Your technical effort converts directly into liquid capital for growth. ## Have an advisor you trust? Bring them in as a Hypergility Partner — same playbook, your relationship. [Become a Hypergility Partner](/partners) Talk to us ## Got questions? Let's get specific. Book a 30-minute call. We'll map your situation and show the fastest next step. [Book a call](/contact) ## FAQs ### What actually counts as R&D for a software startup? ### How much cash can I actually get back? ### Does HMRC still check these claims manually? ### Can I claim for contractors or just full-time staff? ### Will this process distract my lead engineer for weeks? Next step ## Ready to move? Try Grower or book a call — whichever feels right. [Try Grower](https://startupgrower.hypergility.io/)[Book a call](/contact) TL;DR - Turn technical hurdles into cash to extend your startup runway without diluting equity. - We audit your sprints and technical architecture to find claimable R&D costs you probably missed. - Stop wasting time translating code into tax speak; we handle the technical justification for HMRC. - Bypass generic accountants who don't understand your stack or the realities of software development. - Receive a robust technical narrative that stands up to inspection while you stay focused on shipping. - Submit accurate claims that map real engineering work directly to eligible UK tax incentive categories. ## Sources 1. [HMRC R&D Tax Credits Guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/corporation-tax-research-and-development-rd-reliefs) 2. [British Business Bank Finance Hub](https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk) Trusted by clients & partners ## Clients and partners we work with [![Sussex Innovation](/trusted-logos/sussex-innovation.png)](https://www.sussexinnovation.co.uk/)[![Aqueous Digital](/trusted-logos/aqueous-digital.png)](https://www.aqueous-digital.co.uk/)[![The Growth Orchard](/trusted-logos/growth-orchard.png)](https://thegrowthorchard.co.uk/)[![GovForms](/trusted-logos/govforms.png)](https://govforms.co.uk/)[![SITA](/trusted-logos/sita.png)](https://www.sita.aero/)[![University of Sussex](/trusted-logos/university-of-sussex.png)](https://www.sussex.ac.uk/) As seen at ## Where we show up in the community [![BrightonAI Show and Tell](/trusted-logos/brightonai.png)](https://brightonai.org) Certifications ## Standards we are independently certified against [ ![ISO 9001 Badge](/assets/iso-9001-DeXtyob9.svg) ISO 9001 Quality Management ](/we-are-iso-9001-company-certified)[ ![ISO 27001 Badge](/assets/iso-27001-BiHzm-R-.svg) ISO 27001 Information Security ](/we-are-iso-27001-company-certified)[ ![ISO 42001 Badge](/assets/iso-42001-WNouqNfX.svg) ISO 42001 AI Management System ](/we-are-iso-42001-company-certified)[ Cyber Essentials UK Cyber Security ](/we-are-cyber-essentials-certified)[ Cyber Essentials Plus Independently verified ](/we-are-cyber-essentials-plus-certified) [![Hypergility](/assets/hypergility-logo-BKOgRT51.png)](/) People and our AI companion — challenging you, not just agreeing Making ideas investable For founders — we help you shape it, set it up, build it and monetise it. 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Launch sequence — earliest to latest Live shipping today — buy or book now › Next in build, launching soon › Later scheduled, design stage › On radar validated demand, no date yet [Shape](/shape) Pressure-test the idea - [Is my idea any good?Live ](/offerings/is-my-idea-any-good) - [Bootstrap your runwayLive ](/offerings/bootstrap-your-runway) - [Validate fastLive ](/offerings/validate-fast) - [Size the prizeNext ](/offerings/size-the-prize) - [Competitor intelligenceNext ](/offerings/competitor-intelligence) - [Nail the pitchLive ](/offerings/nail-the-pitch) [Set-up](/set-up) Get the foundations right - [Incorporate & structureLive ](/offerings/incorporate-and-structure) - [Cap table & equityNext ](/offerings/cap-table-and-equity) - [Tax-efficient share schemesOn radar ](/offerings/tax-efficient-share-schemes) - [Claim R&D creditsLive ](/offerings/claim-randd-credits) - [SEIS/EIS advance assuranceLater ](/offerings/seis-eis-advance-assurance) - [Signal EquityNext ](/offerings/signal-equity) [Build](/build) Ship what customers want - [Ship the productLater ](/offerings/ship-the-product) - [Get found onlineNext ](/offerings/get-found-online) - [Win grants & innovation loansLater ](/offerings/win-grants-and-innovation-loans) [Monetise](/monetise) Turn traction into revenue - [Win first customersNext ](/offerings/win-first-customers) - [Pricing & business modelNext ](/offerings/pricing-and-business-model) - [Buyer-ready sales decksNext ](/offerings/buyer-ready-sales-decks) - [Activate IP for partnershipsLive ](/offerings/activate-ip-for-partnerships) - [Win public sector bidsLater ](/offerings/win-public-sector-bids) - [C-suite distribution networkOn radar ](/offerings/c-suite-distribution-network) #### Partner network Advisors & Professionals - [Accountants & advisors](/partners/accountants) - [Lawyers & legal advisors](/partners/lawyers) - [Agencies & consultants](/partners/agencies-and-consultants) - [Independent consultants](/for-consultants) Capital & Community - [Investors, angels & syndicates](/partners/investors) - [Founder communities & networks](/partners/communities) - [Trade associations](/partners/trade-associations) Innovation & Education - [Universities & TTOs](/partners/universities) - [Innovation hubs & incubators](/partners/innovation-hubs) - [Accelerators](/partners/accelerators) - [Tech & integration partners](/partners/tech-and-integration-partners) Workforce Transitions - [Outplacement agencies](/for-outplacement-agencies) - [HR & redundancy teams](/for-employers-redundancy) #### Registered Hypergility Hypergility Ltd & Hypergility Innovations Ltd [help@hypergility.com](mailto:help@hypergility.com) Trading address Science Park Square Brighton BN1 9SB Registered office 66 Paul Street London England EC2A 4NA #### Independently certified [![ISO 9001](/assets/iso-9001-DeXtyob9.svg)ISO 9001 ](/we-are-iso-9001-company-certified "ISO 9001")[![ISO 27001](/assets/iso-27001-BiHzm-R-.svg)ISO 27001 ](/we-are-iso-27001-company-certified "ISO 27001")[![ISO 42001](/assets/iso-42001-WNouqNfX.svg)ISO 42001 ](/we-are-iso-42001-company-certified "ISO 42001")[CE Cyber Essentials ](/we-are-cyber-essentials-certified "Cyber Essentials")[CE+ Cyber Essentials Plus ](/we-are-cyber-essentials-plus-certified "Cyber Essentials Plus") © 2016 - 2026 Hypergility Ltd. 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