Tax credit for expenditure on research and development (R&D) activities

You may be eligible if: 

• The company carries out qualifying R&D activities in Ireland, the European Economic Area (EEA), or the United Kingdom, and 

• Is within the charge of corporation tax in Ireland.  

• A company may qualify for the R&D Corporation Tax Credit if its R&D activities meet the following criteria: 

• Involve systematic, investigative, or experimental activities 

• Are in the field of science or technology 

• Involve one or more of the following categories of R&D: basic research, applied research, or experimental development 

• Seek to achieve a scientific or technological advancement 

• Involve the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainty 

https://www.revenue.ie/en/companies-and-charities/reliefs-and-exemptions/research-and-development-rd-tax-credit/index.aspx

The R&D Corporation Tax Credit provides companies with a payable tax credit equal to 30% of the qualifying expenditure incurred on qualifying R&D activities, which is payable in three annual instalments. 

Expenditure on the construction or refurbishment of a building for use in qualifying R&D activities may also qualify for the R&D Corporation Tax Credit (subject to specific conditions being met). This is also a payable credit equal to 30% of the qualifying expenditure incurred and is payable in three annual instalments. 

The R&D Corporation Tax Credit provides companies with a tax credit equal to 30% of the qualifying expenditure incurred on qualifying R&D activities, which is payable in three annual instalments. The company must elect to have each instalment treated as either an overpayment of tax or paid to the company by the Revenue Commissioners. 

For further information please refer to the Research and Development (R&D) Corporation Tax Credit Tax and Duty Manual (29-02-03).