Each industry faces its own challenges when filing an R&D claim. There are some items that are easier to identify when claiming and other items are in the “grey area”. Here are some questions companies should be asking when filing an IT / Software claim.
Is the company using opensource software (and therefore not eligible)?
- The company can still be eligible if they extended it or modified it to overcome limitations/deficiencies. We find that 80% of claims nowadays involves some opensource but are still eligible.
Is the company using existing software languages (and therefore not eligible)?
- Almost everybody uses existing software languages and they are still eligible. It is not what language they use but rather what creative uses they find with/for it. 99% of claims nowadays involve some existing software languages but they are still eligible.
Is the company using existing tools and or libraries (and therefore not eligible)?
- If the company has modified or extended these tools and or libraries they could be eligible.
Do internal processes qualify?
- Many large companies do internal software development for internal processes. This could be eligible but is usually overlooked.
I’ve done simple website development recently and was told I don’t qualify for an R&D claim?
- Simple website development tends to be harder to qualify and usually, the costs/fees are low. However, developing re-usable tools/techniques for website development can be lucrative.
For an in-depth look at what does, what does not and what is in the “grey area” in the IT / Software Industry, please contact the professionals at Braithwaite:
Victoria Procunier
Senior Business Consultant
Mobile: +353 85 216 6966
Email: vprocunier@braithwaite.ie