Industries that could qualify for R&D Tax Credits
As we all know technology is constantly evolving. However, it is sometimes overlooked that evolving technology affects every industry. Most people think of tech and manufacturing companies when it comes to which type of companies claim R&D Tax Credits. This is understandable as roughly 80% of all R&D Tax Credit claims come from these two industries. However, a larger portion of tech claims in R&D each come from industries you typically think would not be applying to the program.
Software, AI, 3D printing, and Machine Learning have impacted virtually every industry. In addition, companies want to develop sustainable operations, products and services that help in the fight against climate change. All of this results in companies exploring how best to implement new technologies. While simply buying technology will not qualify a company for R&D Tax Credits, many companies cannot find a technology that is on the market. So therefore must develop their own technology.
For all these reasons companies and accountants need to keep this in mind when considering if R&D Tax Credits present an opportunity for a cash refund.
R&D Tax Credits are refundable in cash and can provide an excellent source of cash flow for any business. Currently, refundable Tax Credits have a headline rate of 20%, roughly 15-16% after tax. R&D-intensive companies can receive a refundable tax credit rate up to roughly up to 27% of eligible R&D costs.
Here are some examples of R&D being carried out in industries that historically have not made significant R&D Tax Credit claims. These examples provide a good indication that R&D Tax Credits are likely applicable.
Retail and Fashion
While traditionally thought of as a creative or consumer-driven industry, many fashion and retail companies actually conduct significant R&D. This includes developing new fabrics (like sustainable or smart textiles), creating innovative retail technologies (such as virtual fitting rooms or augmented reality shopping), and improving supply chain logistics using AI and data analytics.
Hospitality and Tourism
Hotels, resorts, and travel companies conduct R&D to improve guest experiences, optimize operations, and reduce environmental footprints. For example, hospitality chains invest in R&D for smart room technology, energy-efficient systems, and data-driven customer personalization tools.
Food and Beverage
Beyond obvious product development (new recipes, flavours, or healthier options), R&D is also focused on packaging innovation (sustainability and preservation), food production methods (like lab-grown meat), and even AI-based tools to enhance supply chain efficiency and food safety.
Insurance
The insurance industry is increasingly using R&D to develop better risk models, predictive analytics tools, and customer service technologies like AI-driven chatbots. R&D also includes exploring blockchain for smart contracts and fraud prevention or using machine learning to assess claims more efficiently.
Construction and Real Estate
Traditionally considered low-tech, construction companies now invest heavily in R&D. They explore building automation, sustainable construction materials, and advanced safety technologies, such as drones for site inspections or 3D-printed houses.
Agriculture
Although agriculture is often seen as a traditional industry, modern agriculture has significant R&D in areas like precision farming, genetic engineering, drone technology for monitoring crops and developing climate-resistant crops or eco-friendly pesticides.
Funeral and Deathcare Industry
Even the funeral industry has R&D activities, focusing on eco-friendly burial practices (like biodegradable coffins, or alkaline hydrolysis). There’s also innovation in grief technology, such as AI-driven memorial services and virtual remembrance spaces.
Professional Services (Legal, Accounting)
Even in law and accounting, R&D is growing. Law firms invest in legal tech, such as AI for document review and predictive analytics for case outcomes. Similarly, accounting firms research automation technologies and data analytics tools to improve auditing and compliance.
Sports and Athletics
R&D in sports is not limited to equipment. It also covers athlete performance optimization, wearable technologies to track biometric data, and even innovations in fan engagement through virtual reality or enhanced broadcasting techniques.
Entertainment
The entertainment industry, particularly film, music, and gaming, invests in R&D to explore cutting-edge technologies. This includes virtual and augmented reality, AI-generated content, new streaming technologies, and innovations in special effects (like deepfake technology for movies).
These industries, while not traditionally associated with intensive R&D, engage in continuous innovation to stay competitive and meet evolving market demands.
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