HM Revenue & Customs: Enquiry Support Service for R&D Tax Claims

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

If you are facing an enquiry, get in touch with our Innovation Tax Reliefs team to discuss how we can protect your business. You can complete the form on this page. TAP’s experienced team can work with you and HMRC to resolve the HMRC enquiry, often bringing matters to a prompt and satisfactory conclusion.

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.