7 Corporation Tax Reliefs for Gas Engineering Businesses You Are Missing

Gas engineering businesses in the UK often miss out on key corporation tax reliefs that could lead to significant savings. Staying informed about available reliefs can drastically reduce tax liabilities, leaving more funds to reinvest in business growth and innovation. Here, we explore seven often-overlooked corporation tax reliefs for gas engineering businesses. This guide ensures you make the most of every opportunity to lower your tax burden.

7 Ways To Reduce Your Corporation Tax Bill With Tax Reliefs 

1. Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credits

Gas engineering businesses investing in technological advancements may qualify for Research & Development (R&D) tax credits. As of 1 April 2024, the R&D Expenditure Credit (RDEC) allows companies to claim up to 16.2% of eligible R&D expenditure. Whether you’re developing new gas systems, improving energy efficiency, or integrating advanced materials, your R&D efforts could be eligible for this generous relief.

Utilising R&D tax credits helps businesses offset the costs of innovation, stimulating further research and development activities, ultimately benefiting the bottom line.

2. Patent Box Relief

If your gas engineering business holds patents related to innovative gas technologies, you could benefit from the Patent Box regime. The relief allows profits derived from patented inventions to be taxed at a reduced rate of 10%. It can significantly lower your effective tax rate on profitable patented products. This offers a major incentive for businesses that rely on intellectual property as part of their operations.

3. Capital Allowances

Capital allowances are a valuable relief for businesses investing in qualifying assets such as machinery, equipment, or vehicles. The annual investment allowance (AIA) offers up to £1 million in 100% relief on qualifying expenditures. Additionally, full expensing allows businesses to claim 100% tax relief on new and unused plant and machinery, reducing the amount of taxable profits.

Gas engineering companies that invest in equipment like drilling rigs, compressors, or testing equipment can claim these allowances, reducing upfront tax costs.

4. Energy Profits Levy (EPL) Reliefs

The Energy Profits Levy (EPL) applies to companies operating in the oil and gas extraction sectors. While the headline tax rate increased to 38% from 1 November 2024, businesses involved in low-carbon investments can still access the decarbonisation investment allowance at a reduced rate of 66%.

If your business is engaged in energy transition activities or carbon capture initiatives, you may be eligible for reliefs under the EPL that help offset the cost of investing in greener technologies, making it more cost-effective to meet environmental standards.

5. Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)

The EIS provides a tax-efficient way for businesses to raise capital, offering investors relief from income tax of up to 30% on investments up to £1 million per year. For gas engineering businesses at the start-up or expansion stages, this scheme can be an excellent tool for attracting investment.

Not only do investors benefit from significant tax relief, but they are also exempt from capital gains tax on profits from their shares if held for at least three years, making this an appealing option for both companies and investors.

6. Energy Tax Relief Schemes For Gas Engineering Companies 

Gas engineering businesses can benefit from various energy-related tax relief schemes. For instance, the Climate Change Levy (CCL) exemption provides a significant discount on energy bills for businesses reducing their energy consumption. Companies engaged in energy-efficient practices or carbon reduction may receive discounts of up to 41% on electricity bills and an additional 6% on gas bills.

By integrating energy-saving technologies, your business can benefit from tax relief for energy use while also supporting your sustainability efforts.

7. Decommissioning Relief

For businesses involved in decommissioning gas infrastructure or equipment, the decommissioning relief offers substantial tax savings. Costs associated with the removal, disposal, or decommissioning of oil and gas assets can be deducted from taxable profits, reducing your corporation tax liabilities.

This relief is particularly important for gas engineering businesses engaged in projects such as the removal of old pipelines or gas plants, enabling you to offset the significant costs involved in these processes.

How We Can Help Optimise Corporation Tax Relief For Gas Engineering Businesses 

Gas engineering businesses have access to several tax relief options that can reduce their corporation tax liabilities. By utilising these reliefs, businesses can increase cash flow, reinvest savings in growth, and improve financial performance.

However, navigating these schemes can be complex. At Apex Accountants, we specialise in helping businesses like yours identify and maximise the tax reliefs available and find practical ways to reduce your corporation tax bill. Our experts and comprehensive corporation tax services guide you through the process, ensuring you make the most of these opportunities and stay compliant with HMRC regulations.