R&D tax relief

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

From your first claim notification to the day the money arrives, we prepare R&D claims under the current merged scheme and ERIS rules, and stay with you if HMRC asks questions.

Talk to us about R&D

How we support your R&D claim

Claim notification on time

First-time claimants, and companies that have not claimed in the last three years, must notify HMRC within six months of the end of the accounting period. Miss it and the claim is lost. We track the deadline and file the notification for you.

The right scheme for your company

Since April 2024 most companies claim under the merged scheme, while loss-making, R&D-intensive companies may qualify for ERIS. 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.

Chasing the repayment

Once the claim is in, we contact HMRC for updates so you know when to expect the money 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 on progress and let you know when the credit or repayment is due.

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?

If this is your first claim, or you have not claimed in the previous three years, you must submit a claim notification within six months of the end of the accounting period. We check this for you early, so the deadline is not missed.

Which R&D scheme will my company use?

Most companies now 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.

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