R&D claim filed. Cash before HMRC pays.
Specialist advance finance against a submitted R&D tax credit claim. Typically 70–85% of claim value, released within a week, repaid from the HMRC credit when it lands.
70–85%
LTV on claim
3–5 days
Typical release
£25k+
From
No monthly
Repaid on payout
What R&D advance is
Short-term bridging against a pending HMRC payment.
UK R&D tax credit claims used to pay out in 4–6 weeks. As of 2026, routine processing is 8–12 weeks, and compliance-checked claims can take 16 weeks or more. That's a significant cash-flow gap if your CT bill falls due between filing and payout, or if payroll depends on the credit arriving.
R&D advance is a specialist commercial loan against the value of the claim. Lender pays you 70–85% of expected claim value upfront; you repay in full (plus fee) when HMRC pays the credit. Typical advance fee 2–5% flat. Rates effectively annualise around 15–25% APR depending on how long HMRC takes.
The claim must be filed with HMRC before lenders will underwrite. A few will advance against a pre-submission claim pack from a reputable R&D adviser, but most want the submission confirmed. This also avoids the risk of lending against a claim HMRC later rejects.
Works well for: merged scheme claims (accounting periods from 1 April 2024), ERIS claims for loss-making R&D-intensive companies, and companies with a CT bill looming in the claim-processing window.
RATES & TERMS · APRIL 2026
Typical parameters for this product.
INDICATIVE
No monthly
Monthly rate
2–5% flat
Arrangement fee
On payout
Term
£25k+
Loan amount
HOW IT WORKS
Three steps. No drama.
1
File the claim first
Work with a reputable R&D tax adviser. Get the claim filed and confirmation received from HMRC.
2
Apply with claim documentation
We need the claim pack, HMRC acknowledgement, and your latest accounts. Decision in 3–5 days.
3
Funds released, repaid on HMRC payout
Lender takes the HMRC payment when it arrives; any balance over the advance + fee is yours.
QUESTIONS WE GET
Straight answers.
Can we get an advance before the claim is filed?+
Some lenders will with a solid pre-submission pack from a known R&D adviser, but pricing is wider and LTV lower (often 50–65% vs 70–85% post-filing). If you're days from filing, wait. Better rates.
What if HMRC rejects the claim?+
You still owe the advance plus fee. Lenders do their own due diligence on claim quality for this reason. They don't lend against weak claims. If your adviser says the claim is solid and lenders still decline, that's informative.
Does the advance affect our CT position?+
No. The advance is a loan; the R&D credit (when it pays) is processed through CT as normal. The lender intercepts the HMRC payment under an assignment arrangement.
How long does HMRC currently take on R&D claims?+
Routine claims: 8–12 weeks. Enquiry-flagged claims: 16+ weeks. ERIS claims face tighter scrutiny and longer average processing. Plan funding with 12 weeks as the base case.
Can we combine an R&D advance with a CT loan?+
Often yes. CT loan covers the immediate bill, R&D advance bridges the claim payout. When the claim lands, R&D advance repays fully and remaining funds can accelerate CT loan repayment.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
R&D claim filed. Bridge the gap to HMRC payout.
Tell us the claim amount and filing date. We'll come back with an indicative offer.
Get a quote →Disclaimer · The information on this page is general guidance about UK commercial finance options for limited companies and LLPs. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice and should not be relied on as such. Eligibility, rates, and terms vary by lender and are subject to credit assessment. Tax Bill Loans is a trading name of Funding Flow, a commercial finance broker; arranging finance for UK corporates is outside FCA regulatory scope. For advice specific to your situation, speak to your accountant, solicitor, or a qualified adviser.
Will an R&D advance work for you? Quick check.
Run through this before submitting. If you tick the first list and avoid the second, you're a fit. If not, the quote form is still welcome. We'll route you to the right product or be straight that this isn't the one.
All five apply.
UK limited company or LLP
Sole traders and partnerships aren't eligible for R&D advance.
R&D claim already filed with HMRC
Acknowledgement reference from HMRC needed. Pre-submission funding is rare and priced wider.
Claim value £25,000 or more
Below this, advance economics rarely work for either side.
Claim prepared by a known R&D adviser
Lenders rely on adviser quality as a proxy for claim robustness.
Company is solvent and trading
Loss-making R&D-intensive companies (ERIS) are fine. Distress / insolvency is not.
Any of these apply.
Claim still in active HMRC enquiry
Most lenders pause until the enquiry is resolved.
First-time claim with no adviser
Self-prepared first claims face higher rejection risk and lender appetite reflects that.
In any of these cases, a Corporation Tax loan or Time to Pay may be the better route. Either way, request a quote and we'll point you at the right specialist.