R&D tax relief

R&D tax relief claims that stand up to HMRC scrutiny

From checking eligibility and notification deadlines to preparing your claim under the merged scheme or ERIS and supporting you through any questions from HMRC.

Talk to us about R&D

How we support your R&D claim

Claim notification on time

Some companies must notify HMRC before they can claim, including many first-time claimants. Where notification is required, the deadline is generally six months after the end of the period of account, and a missed deadline means the claim is lost. We check your claim history and the rules that apply, then manage the deadline for you.

The right scheme for your company

For accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, the merged scheme and the enhanced support for R&D-intensive loss-making companies (ERIS) apply, subject to eligibility. We work out which applies to you before any figures go in.

Identifying qualifying projects

We work with your technical team to pin down the advance you were seeking, the uncertainties you faced and the work done to resolve them, and we leave out activity that does not qualify.

Qualifying costs, properly evidenced

Staff costs, externally provided workers, subcontractors, consumables and software, each checked against the rules and reconciled to your accounts.

Additional information form and technical report

HMRC requires an additional information form before the claim is made. We prepare it alongside a clear technical report that explains your R&D in plain language.

Following up with HMRC

Once the claim is in, we contact HMRC for progress updates, so you have the best available view of when any credit or repayment is likely and can plan your cash flow around it.

What happens and when

  • 1

    Before the period ends

    We check whether a claim notification is needed and diarise the deadline.

  • 2

    After the year end

    We gather project and cost information, prepare the technical report and the additional information form, and confirm the scheme.

  • 3

    Filing

    The claim is submitted with your company tax return.

  • 4

    After filing

    We follow up with HMRC, keep you informed of progress and explain any action needed.

If HMRC opens a compliance check

HMRC checks a significant share of R&D claims. If yours is selected, we handle the correspondence, pull together the evidence behind the claim and help you respond to HMRC's questions, so you are not facing it alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to tell HMRC before I claim?

Possibly. Many companies claiming for the first time, or that have not claimed recently, must submit a claim notification. Where it is required, the deadline is generally six months after the end of the period of account. We check your position early, so the deadline is not missed.

Which R&D scheme will my company use?

For accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, most companies claim under the merged scheme. Loss-making companies that spend a high proportion of their costs on R&D may qualify for enhanced support under ERIS. We review your figures and confirm which applies.

Does my work count as R&D?

R&D for tax purposes means seeking an advance in science or technology by resolving uncertainty that a competent professional could not readily resolve. It is not limited to laboratories, and it often includes software and engineering work. We talk it through with you before committing to a claim.

How long does the money take to arrive?

It varies, and HMRC can take longer when claims are checked. We contact HMRC on your behalf for updates so you are not left guessing.

What if HMRC questions my claim?

We manage the compliance check with you, gather the supporting evidence and respond to HMRC's questions.

Thinking about an R&D claim?

Talk to us early in the year. The earlier we start, the easier it is to hit the deadlines and build a claim you can stand behind.

Request a call