Updates to R&D Tax Incentive Application Form

What you need to know

If your business intends to make an RDTI claim, it’s important to understand the changes, the level of detail now expected, and how to prepare for a successful application. In addition to the application form, new guidelines have been released covering the following:

• How to access the RDTI customer portal
• Information required to support R&D activities and expenditure

So what has changed?

Despite the message from DISR, the changes made to the application form are more than “minimal”.

In short, the form now asks for more comprehensive, structured, and well-documented information from the get-go. The justification from DISR is that the greater level of detail brings the application process more closely in line with legislation and this will reduce follow-up questions from DISR.

Some of the key changes include:

• Expanded questions and specific information required. The new form draws out each aspect of your R&D activities, requiring clear, well-articulated answers about what was done, how, why, when and by whom.
• More detailed information is required for supporting R&D activities.
• Character limits have increased, so you now have more space to explain your project. We anticipate that comes with a higher expectation to provide more thorough, substantiated responses.
• There is greater structure and specificity. Many former free-text fields are now replaced or complemented by structured prompts, tick boxes, and drop-downs to capture key details.
• There is an increased emphasis on eligibility and documentation. The form guides you to self-assess eligibility and link activities to claimed expenditure with appropriate evidence.

What does this mean for you?

While the new form is designed to make the process clearer, it will require more planning, detail, and careful presentation of your R&D story. To respond effectively, you should be proactive in describing your hypotheses, technical uncertainties, and the knowledge generated by your work - supported by up-to-date records and documentation.

Why the right R&D consultant matters

With the introduction of a more detailed R&D application form, the focus has shifted from lodging a descriptive claim, to clearly demonstrating eligibility through structured narratives and well-maintained records.

Most companies will work with an advisor, but not all advisors bring the same level of technical insight, compliance focus, or experience with the broader concepts (i.e. those that DISR is now looking for). Ask yourself if you are working with the best advisor for your business.

BlueRock's R&D Tax Incentive Consultants Will:

• Help you align your documentation with the new form requirements
• Guide you in framing your R&D activities clearly and defensibly
• Identify risks early and strengthen your claim from the start

Choosing a detail-focused, technically proficient advisor is key to a strong and defensible claim.

Get Help to Maximise the R&D Tax Incentive

These changes shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. They’re a chance to put your best case forward and get your claim processed smoothly. While the underlying rules have not changed, the application process has. With the right guidance, these changes are less a challenge and more an opportunity to strengthen your claim and reduce audit risk.

If you have any questions or would like assistance with your next R&D application, get in touch via the form below. We are here to help.