R&D tax credits offer Irish companies a valuable opportunity to reduce their tax bills and improve cashflow. Under Revenue's regime, qualifying businesses can claim a 30% tax credit on eligible R&D expenditure (increasing to 35%), with recent government updates introducing new payment structures designed to speed up refunds for SMEs.

The credit can deliver substantial value, but there's a catch. Making a claim requires some know-how, from cost and tax preparation to writing up a description of how the work you did meets Revenue’s guidelines. Many companies choose to engage a professional advisor to help them make their claim more efficiently and securely.

Claim preparation costs vary enormously across providers, and transparent pricing remains surprisingly hard to find. Understanding what you could pay, and why, matters just as much as understanding the credit itself.

Typical R&D Tax Credit Fees in Ireland (2025)

The Irish market offers several pricing models, each with distinct advantages depending on your circumstances.

Contingency fees typically range from 10% to 25% of the credit value. This success-based model appeals to businesses managing tight cashflow since you only pay if the claim succeeds, usually on the backend once Revenue has paid out. The downside is cost. On a €100,000 credit, you might pay €25,000 in fees. This model also creates limited incentive for advisors to build scalable, repeatable processes for repeat claimants.

Fixed fees generally fall between €5,000 and €20,000 or more. This structure works well for complex or high-value projects, particularly where repeat claims are anticipated. Advisors are incentivised to work efficiently, and you know your costs upfront regardless of claim size.

Software platforms have emerged as a middle ground. Tax Cloud, for example, offers SMEs the opportunity to trade hefty fees for doing some of the work themselves, but always with the guarantee that comes from working with experts in the field. Tax Cloud charges between 2.5% and 5% with a minimum fee of €2,750.

DIY claims carry minimal direct costs but demand significant internal resources and deep knowledge of Revenue's requirements.

Fees vary substantially based on provider and project scope. These ranges reflect the current market but should serve as a starting point rather than a fixed benchmark.

What Determines the Cost of an R&D Tax Credit Claim in Ireland?

Though guideline pricing was offered above, the actual cost of your claim will depend on many factors.

Project complexity plays a major role. A company with one straightforward software development project will require far less work from an advisor than a business running multiple concurrent projects across different technical disciplines.

The size and structure of the business also matter. SME claims tend to be more straightforward than claims for large companies, simply because smaller companies, smaller teams and smaller projects usually mean less work and thus, less to pay.

The quality of existing documentation is perhaps the single biggest variable. Businesses that maintain strong project records, track staff time effectively, and document technical uncertainty as they go will face lower claim preparation costs. Those starting from scratch, with minimal records and unclear project boundaries, require substantially more work to build a compliant claim.

The DIY Option

Preparing your own claim makes sense for certain businesses. If you have a straightforward project, good documentation, and confidence in Revenue's requirements, going it alone can save substantial fees.

However, internal time and resources can sometimes cost more than outsourcing, particularly when senior staff must divert attention from revenue-generating activities. The risk of errors or omissions adds another layer of complexity.

Some businesses find a middle path effective. They prepare the initial claim internally, then pay an advisor for a review on an hourly basis. This approach uses a chisel instead of a sledgehammer, targeting advisory spend where it delivers most value.

Confident teams with clear projects should absolutely consider this route. Just be realistic about the time commitment and technical knowledge required.

Hidden Costs Businesses Often Overlook

The quoted fee rarely tells the full story. Several less visible costs can materially impact the true cost of using R&D tax specialists.

Revenue audit risk increases with poorly prepared claims. If your advisor prepares a claim that lacks technical rigour or proper documentation, you face potential challenges during Revenue review. Defending a weak claim consumes time and may require additional advisory support.

Amendment costs arise when claims are rejected or queried. Some advisors include amendment support in their fees. Others charge separately, which can substantially increase your total cost.

Lost opportunity cost emerges when poor advice leads to underclaiming. If an advisor lacks technical depth or takes shortcuts, you may miss qualifying expenditure. The difference between a €50,000 claim and a €75,000 claim dwarfs fee variations between competent providers.

Choosing the Right R&D Tax Credit Partner

Several factors separate strong providers from weak ones.

Look for providers with a demonstrated track record of Revenue-approved claims. Client testimonials and case studies also offer useful signals. Ask potential providers for references, particularly from businesses similar to yours.

Fee structure transparency matters. Whether you choose fixed or success-based fees, you should understand exactly what you'll pay and what that includes. Ask about the level of support, audit defence, and multi-year arrangements upfront. Will they refund their fee if your claim is ultimately rejected? Will they charge you extra for defending your claim?

Technical expertise in your industry provides real value. An advisor who understands your sector can identify qualifying activities more effectively and build stronger technical narratives. Generic R&D knowledge helps, but specific industry experience helps more. When looking for an R&D tax advisor, consider their qualifications and accreditations. Anyone dealing with your business’ finances should be held accountable by a chartered organisation (ACA, ACCA, CIMA…).

Key Takeaways

Average R&D claim costs in Ireland typically range from €3,000 to €20,000, depending on claim complexity and size. This variation reflects genuine differences in the work required, not just pricing strategy.

Fixed fee models offer transparency and work well for businesses with ongoing claims. Success fee models can work for cashflow-sensitive firms but may prove expensive on larger credits.

Prioritise compliance and documentation quality over cost savings. A robust claim protects you during Revenue review and maximises your eligible credit.

The right approach depends on your specific circumstances. Assess your internal capabilities honestly, understand the true cost of different options, and choose a path that balances cost, risk, and value.

You can read more about Myriad’s tiered pricing structure here. Our fees scale down as your claim scales up, allowing you to keep more of your benefit. However, we appreciate this doesn’t work for everyone – we’re always happy to quote other fee structures. Get in touch with our team and find out how we can support you now.