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This guidance note provides information on the R&D reliefs available specifically to companies which are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The definition of an SME is detailed in the Research and development (R&D) relief ― overview guidance note. The Qualifying expenditure for R&D tax relief guidance note provides information on what expenditure qualifies for SME relief.

See also Simon’s Taxes D1.419, D1.420.

For accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, SMEs can claim relief for qualifying R&D expenditure under the merged RDEC scheme. See the Research and development expenditure credit (RDEC) guidance note. Only loss making SMEs which meet an R&D intensity condition can claim the more generous SME reliefs described in this guidance note. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘SME intensive scheme’ or ‘ERIS’ (enhanced R&D intensive support).

For accounting periods beginning before 1 April 2024, SMEs can claim RDEC only for contracted out, subsidised or capped expenditure by SMEs that does not qualify for