Why this site exists
The R&D tax relief landscape changed significantly in April 2024. The old SME scheme and large-company RDEC scheme were replaced by a single Merged Scheme — and most content on Google still reflects the old rules. Business owners searching for guidance are finding outdated information that may lead them to incorrectly believe they don't qualify, or to submit claims that don't reflect the current rules.
RDClaim was built to provide accurate, current information and a genuinely useful eligibility tool — not a thinly disguised lead generation form, but a tool that provides real value before asking anything of the user.
How we approach this
Accuracy first
All scheme rates and rules are verified against GOV.UK guidance and updated whenever HMRC publishes changes. We display the date of last verification on every page.
Honest estimates
Our eligibility score and claim estimates are conservative. We would rather a business owner is pleasantly surprised by a larger claim than disappointed by a smaller one.
No pressure
The tool provides a result whether or not you proceed to a specialist assessment. There is no obligation attached to using the grader.
Transparent referrals
When you request a free assessment, we connect you with a specialist firm. We may earn a referral fee if a claim is made. This is disclosed clearly in our footer and terms.
Who we connect you with
We introduce eligible businesses to specialist R&D tax advisory firms who operate on a no-win-no-fee basis. These are regulated professionals with established track records of successful claims under both the old SME scheme and the new Merged RDEC Scheme.
We do not work with any firm that does not have a genuine track record, that charges upfront fees, or whose practices we have reason to question. The referral relationship is based on lead quality — our pre-qualified introductions save the specialist time, which is reflected in the fee arrangement.
What we are not
RDClaim is not an R&D tax advisory firm. We do not review your accounts, prepare claims, or communicate with HMRC on your behalf. The tool result is an indication of eligibility based on the information you provide — it is not a professional determination.
Important notice
The information on this site is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. You should seek professional advice before making any decisions based on the information provided here. Tool results are indicative estimates based on typical industry data and your answers — they are not a guarantee of eligibility or claim value.
Data and privacy
The eligibility grader runs entirely in your browser. We do not store your answers or transmit them anywhere unless you actively choose to request a specialist assessment. When you do request an assessment, your contact details and a summary of your answers are shared with our specialist partner. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.