R&D decision guide

    How to Make an R&D Claim

    A claim brings together a technical explanation of the qualifying work and a calculation of the directly attributable expenditure.

    Your R&D Claim

    From initial assessment to ongoing aftercare, we guide you through every step of the R&D tax relief process with comprehensive support

    Initial Assessment

    30 - 60 Min Meeting

    Free consultation to understand your R&D activities and determine eligibility

    • Business review
    • Project assessment
    • Eligibility check
    • No-obligation consultation

    Preliminary Claim Value Estimation

    Quick claim estimate using your P&L accounts and industry averages to help you decide whether to proceed

    Project Deep Dive

    1 - 6 Meetings

    Detailed analysis of your R&D projects with comprehensive evidence gathering

    Financial Apportionment

    Breakdown of qualifying expenditure and cost categorisation for your R&D claim

    Technical Report & Approval

    7 - 14 Days

    Complete technical narrative and financial report, compliance-approved and sent for your review

    Benefit & Submission Review

    Before submission, we'll review your company's tax position, confirm the expected treatment of the claim, and ensure all supporting documentation is ready for HMRC.

    Claim Submission

    Submission to HMRC either via your accountant or revisions to your tax documents, with all required documentation

    Claim Processed & Aftercare

    Ongoing

    HMRC aims to process 85% of claims within 40 days. In 2024/25 it processed 90% within that window, alongside ongoing support and claim defence

    Submission is not approval

    HMRC aims to process 85% of claims within 40 days. In 2024/25 it processed 90% within that window. Processing is not approval of a claim, and HMRC can still open an enquiry. Usually, it must do this within 12 months of the filing deadline or, if the return was filed late, 12 months from the following quarter day. In some cases it can go back further if it believes something was wrong.