R&D Tax Credit Advance for Tech Companies
If your technology company claims R&D tax relief, you could be waiting 6-12 months for HMRC to process and pay your claim. An R&D advance gives you the cash now, typically 80-90% of the expected claim value, within weeks rather than months.
The lender assesses the strength of your R&D claim (with support from specialist R&D tax advisors if needed) and advances funds against the expected repayment. When HMRC pays the claim, the advance is settled. This is particularly valuable for early-stage tech companies where the R&D credit represents a significant proportion of available cash.
Key Benefits
- Access 80-90% of your R&D claim within weeks
- Do not wait 6-12 months for HMRC processing
- Non-dilutive — no equity given away
- Secured against the claim, not your property or assets
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have filed the claim already?
Most providers advance against claims that are either filed or in preparation by a recognised R&D tax advisor. Claims in preparation require the advisor to confirm the expected amount and filing timeline.
What if HMRC queries or reduces the claim?
If HMRC reduces the claim, you repay the lower amount plus interest. The provider bears some of this risk, which is why they typically advance 80-90% rather than 100%. Using a reputable R&D advisor minimises query risk.
Can loss-making companies use R&D advances?
Yes. Loss-making SMEs that claim the payable R&D tax credit (surrendered losses) are ideal candidates. The credit is a cash payment from HMRC, which the advance brings forward.
How much does it cost?
Typically 1.5-3% per month on the advanced amount. The total cost depends on how long HMRC takes to process the claim. For a 6-month wait, total cost is roughly 9-18% of the advance.
Related Funding Options
R&D Tax Credit Advance for Manufacturers
Access your R&D tax credit early. Advance funding for UK manufacturers claiming R&D relief on product and process innovation.
Tax Loans for Technology Companies
Spread Corporation Tax bills for UK SaaS and tech businesses. Keep cash available for product development and hiring.
Revenue-Based Finance for Tech Companies
Non-dilutive growth capital for UK SaaS and tech businesses. Fund product development, hiring, and marketing without giving away equity.
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Learn About Our Broker NetworkCoreFi is a trading name of JG Core Ltd (Company #16218779, England & Wales). CoreFi acts as a commercial finance broker and does not provide regulated financial advice. All products described are unregulated business-to-business finance. Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute a formal offer of finance. Terms, rates, and availability are subject to lender criteria and may change without notice.