What to Expect During an HMRC Enquiry for R&D Tax Claims
Most R&D tax claims are processed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) without issue, but a small and growing number of claims undergo a compliance check. These compliance check letters from HMRC are formal enquiry letters requesting more information to verify the legitimacy and accuracy of your R&D tax relief claim. Some enquiries are also conducted as random checks.
While an HMRC enquiry can be inconvenient and may delay your R&D tax credits, it is an important process that protects the R&D Tax Relief scheme from fraudulent claims and ensures UK taxpayers receive value for money.
Key Points To Note About HMRC Enquiries for R&D Tax Claims
- The Reason for the Enquiry Can Be on the Technical and/or the Aspect of Your Claim, Random Sampling or the Size of the Claim
- The Compliance Check/Enquiry Letter Will Have a List of Questions Designed to Collect More Financial and/or Technical Information About Your R&D
- Enquiries Can Take Weeks, Months, and Sometimes Even Years to Resolve
Typical Enquiry Process
Enquiries start with a compliance check letter giving you 30 days to respond. You may receive follow-up requests, calls, or interviews with HMRC’s technical and financial teams. HMRC will then make a decision which you can accept or appeal.
You might get a ‘nudge letter’ asking if your company’s tax affairs are up to date—this often precedes an enquiry. If your R&D tax claim is delayed beyond three to six months without updates, a compliance check is likely underway.
Outcomes of HMRC enquiries can include delayed payments, claim reductions, reputational impact, and fines. To reduce the risk of enquiries, submit robust, accurate R&D tax claims.
For more information or help with your HMRC compliance check, contact TAP’s Innovation Tax Reliefs team. Fill out the form below to book a free, no-obligation call and discuss how we can support your business.
Need help navigating the broader landscape of R&D and innovation incentives? Learn more about our comprehensive Innovation Tax Reliefs support.
📞 Get in touch with our R&D team for advice on your tax claim or HMRC enquiry—call 0208 037 1030 or submit the form at the bottom of this page.
Innovation Tax Relief Service Team



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