Media sector faces scrutiny from HMRC

A recent crackdown on the abuse of the research and development (R&D) tax relief regime has significantly impacted the media sector, with HMRC questioning three out of four claims. A survey by RSM revealed that 40% of media firms had filed an R&D claim in the past year, but only 24% were approved without dispute.

One-third of these claims were eventually approved after an initial challenge by HMRC, while another third were outright refused in the last 12 months. This contrasts sharply with the overall statistic that only 20% of R&D claims are challenged by HMRC, compared to 55% in the media sector.

The media industry encompasses various sectors, including audio, music, film and TV companies, marketing, advertising and communications agencies, publishers, and gaming companies.

In the 2021/22 tax year, 90,315 R&D claims resulted in £7.6 billion in tax relief. However, less than 1,000 R&D claims came from the entire arts, recreation, and recreation sector, totalling approximately £100 million. In comparison, the manufacturing sector had around 21,000 claims and received over £1.5bn in tax relief.

Notably, 95% of media industry respondents reported making a claim for some form of tax relief.

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