Enquiry support service for HMRC R&D tax relief enquiries

ForrestBrown’s enquiry support service can cover everything from a thorough claim review, making sure your R&D claim can withstand HMRC scrutiny, to managing every aspect of an enquiry on your behalf.

Want to know more about enquiries and why they’re raised? Find out all you need to know about R&D tax relief enquiries.

If you are facing an R&D tax credit enquiry relating to a claim you’ve prepared yourself or with another adviser or partner, then let our team of experts take complete control. Whether you need a sense check, have just received a compliance letter or need us to step into a long-running enquiry, we will help you to get the resolution you need.

At ForrestBrown, we can take full and immediate control of your enquiry. We drive the enquiry process forward with a proactive approach, controlling the agenda and working towards a favourable resolution.

We tailor our process to your business and priorities – this is often a combination of preserving claim value and reaching a quick resolution. Although bespoke, you can expect our enquiry support service to include the following steps:

ForrestBrown’s team has many years of experience of working closely with HMRC, including helping to draft best practice guidance, dealing with them on day to day matters involving R&D claims, and working with their compliance team to resolve enquiries. We have a good working relationship and understanding of the information they need to accept an R&D tax relief claim, which allows us to have meaningful discussions to inform our approach to successfully resolving your enquiry.

Our team has been actively involved in shaping R&D tax policy for a number of years and brings the latest insights into HMRC’s approach and focus areas. Our former HMRC inspectors know what it’s like to be on the other side of the desk, helping to inform our strategy and the way we communicate with the HMRC compliance team. Our experts have a track record of defending enquiries, establishing quick and quality dialogue with inspectors.

Regardless of where you are in the enquiry process, you want information you can trust. Our experts have helped compile in-depth guidance to take you through the process. Follow the relevant links below to read more:

Once an outcome has been reached with your enquiry, it’s important to look to the future. The first R&D tax credit claim you submit after an enquiry is critical. HMRC will expect that any feedback they provided during the enquiry will be reflected in your next R&D tax relief claim. They do check and will open another enquiry if they believe that similar risks are present, or that feedback has been ignored. For example, if you agree with HMRC to reduce a particular cost, or exclude a particular type of project from your claim during an enquiry, they will check to see if you have carried that treatment forward into the next period. If not, expect further challenge and they may well be less sympathetic next time round.

At ForrestBrown, we can help you strengthen your future claims, including everything from record-keeping measures to methodology. This is particularly important if you have had a claim adjustment or suspended penalty. We also work hard to ensure you’re in the best position to utilise R&D tax relief within your business going forward.

Is your client facing an HMRC enquiry? ForrestBrown can provide advice and support, or actively manage the enquiry for you. Enhance your relationship with your client by partnering with the right specialist at the right time.

Find out more about how we work with accountants