R&D Tax Credits | Manufacturing and Engineering Sector

R&D Tax Credits for Manufacturing and Engineering Explained

What type of manufacturing and engineering projects can qualify for R&D tax credits?

Common examples of product and process development projects that may qualify for R&D tax relief include:

innovative product development using computer aided design tools;
development of second generation or improved products;
tooling and equipment fixture design and development;
developing unique computer numerical control programs;
designing innovative programmable logic controllers;
designing innovative manufacturing equipment;
prototyping and three-dimensional solid modelling;
development of computer models;
designing and developing cost-effective and innovative operational processes;
integrating new materials to improve product performance and manufacturing processes;
evaluating and determining the most efficient flow of material;
designing and evaluating process alternatives;
designing, constructing, and testing product prototypes;
increasing ease of operation or suitability of manufactured products;
developing processes that would meet increasing regulatory requirements; or,
streamlining manufacturing processes through automation.

What projects can be inlcuded in an R&D Tax Credit claim for manufacturing and engineering projects?

In terms of qualifying tasks, the following activities would be considered eligible for R&D tax credits:

defining technical objectives;
identifying uncertainties;
feasibility studies;
reviewing new and competing technologies;
analysing, designing and developing the technology;
producing technical specification or other documents to explain and support the R&D project and advancement;
testing the product, process or software;
planning and managing projects.

In addition, certain indirect support activities may qualify for R&D tax relief, such as:

administration, finance, and personnel services specifically required to support R&D activities;
training to support R&D.

What R&D expenditure can be claimed for manufacturing and engineering projects?

You can claim relief on 25% of qualifying expenses. The main areas of costs that can be claimed are:

staff (salaries, company pension contributions, employer's Pay-Related Social Insurance [PRSI], bonus payments, and health insurance);
agency workers (externally provided workers);
individual consultants; and,
materials used in R&D or prototyping.

What staff roles can be included in an R&D Tax Claim for manufacturing and engineering projects?

It is not uncommon for an R&D team to consist of many individuals from different parts of the business. Your R&D project team may include the R&D Manager, a Lead Developer, Engineers, Project Co-ordinators, Quality Control and Testing specialists, and Cost Accountants, as well as members of the senior management team.

How Myriad Associates Can Help

Why choose Myriad Associates as your specialist R&D tax credits advisor?

By profiting from our specialist knowledge and experience, you can be sure of maximising your R&D tax relief claim. As a rule, Myriad Associates submit R&D tax relief claims that are up to three times higher than in-house prepared claims or those filed by generalist accountants.

We handle your R&D claim from start to finish, taking up just two to three hours of your time.
We can maximise your R&D claim because our expert consultants can identify your qualifying projects and all your eligible expenses.
We write technical reports describing your projects to support your claims.
We make sure Revenue handles your claim promptly, because of our right-first-time approach and because of our outstanding relationship with R&D tax inspectors.
Our 5-Step Claim Process is simplicity in itself, so you always know where we are with your claim.

We identify all your R&D activities

We capture all your R&D expenditure

We write your R&D technical reports

We submit your R&D Tax Relief claim

We work with Revenue to agree your R&D claim

With just two to three hours of your time we'll take care of your claim from start to finish

100% success. We have successfully claimed R&D tax relief for all our clients, for over ten years, and without exception.
An unbeatable offer. Confident of delivering a winning service, we offer our services on a success-only basis.

You can download our information sheet on R&D Tax Relief for Manufacturing & Engineering Companies.

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What our clients say

Our Accountants told us that we were not eligible for R&D tax credits.
Wendy Bennet, CEO, Lost Wax Development Ltd

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Manufacturing and Engineering