In 2024, HMRC identified £441million in incorrectly claimed R&D tax relief – as a result, even fully compliant companies may now face enquiries and processing delays. That’s why working with advisers like Randd, who don’t just prepare claims but also support them, is key to securing the relief your business deserves without risk.
HMRC’s approach to Research and Development (R&D) tax credits is evolving – but with the right support, you can get the most from your claim. At Randd, we provide expert guidance and robust claim defence, helping you navigate these changes with confidence.
Throughout this guide, we will explain:
- Recent changes to HMRC R&D tax credits guidance
- What triggers an HMRC enquiry or delay
- The risks of partnering with a non-defensive R&D tax credits provider
- The necessity of full-service claim defence
- How Randd’s R&D tax credit experts shield you from HMRC trouble
Let’s dive in!
| Book Your FREE 30-Minute R&D Tax Credit Consultation Unsure if your projects qualify for HMRC R&D tax credits? Speak to one of our sector-specific experts for free. In just 30 minutes, we’ll assess your eligibility, flag potential claim opportunities, and explain how we defend your claim from day one. No commitment. No jargon. Just clarity. Book your FREE consultation today! |
The HMRC R&D Tax Credit Landscape: Tougher & Riskier
Based on HMRC’s 2024 statistics, 9,700 compliance checks were performed on the total of 61,000 R&D claims received, highlighting the scale of the issue and the intensity of HMRC’s response.
Ensuring you’re supported by R&D tax specialists, such as our experts at Randd, is essential to avoiding HMRC queries and remaining compliant with relevant guidelines. Here are some key developments shaping the current landscape:
- Increased scrutiny: HMRC has intensified checks on R&D claims, both randomly and through risk-based targeting.
- Tighter definitions: The standards set out in HMRC R&D tax credits guidance are now applied more rigorously than ever before.
- Higher rejection rates: Claims that don’t clearly demonstrate eligibility under R&D tax credits and HMRC guidelines are at serious risk of enquiry or refusal.
- Widespread confusion: Many SMEs still misunderstand what HMRC considers to be qualifying R&D work, leading to non-compliant submissions.
- Costly consequences: An enquiry can delay a claim for months and even result in a demand for repayment, penalties, or legal escalation.
This new environment demands more than basic claim preparation – it requires full visibility into HMRC expectations and a defence strategy to match.
| Wondering if You Qualify for R&D Tax Credits? R&D tax credits can unlock thousands in tax relief – but only if your projects meet HMRC’s strict criteria. Our R&D Eligibility Explained page breaks it down simply, so you know exactly what qualifies (and what doesn’t). Clear guidance & facts – a must-read before you claim. Explore Your R&D Eligibility Now! |
What Triggers An Enquiry? HMRC R&D Tax Credits Guidance
With HMRC’s stricter approach to R&D tax credits, even minor errors can raise a red flag and trigger an enquiry. Understanding what HMRC R&D caseworkers look for is key to avoiding costly delays or rejections:
| Common Red Flags | How Randd Makes A Difference |
| Misunderstanding of what qualifies as R&D under HMRC R&D tax credits guidance. | We assess your work against strict HMRC guidelines to ensure only eligible R&D activities are included. |
| Overstated or unsupported staff time apportionments. | Randd helps you calculate realistic, defensible time allocations backed by project data. |
| Vague or overly generic technical project narratives. | Our technical writers craft precise, project-specific reports that align with R&D tax credits and HMRC guidelines. |
| Use of misleading terms like ‘unique’ or ‘bespoke’ to justify eligibility. | We focus on demonstrating true technological advancement and uncertainty, which HMRC genuinely requires. |
| Lack of evidence or competent professionals to defend the claim. | Randd works directly with your technical team to document the right expertise and evidence throughout your claim. |
| £250 Million+ in Claims Recovered At RanddUK, we don’t just talk results – we deliver them. With over £250million successfully claimed back for our clients, our track record speaks for itself. Proven results, unrivalled industry experience & maximum claim value with minimum hassle. Explore our case studies for more information! |
DIY Claims & Non-Defensive Providers: A Hidden Risk
Submitting an R&D claim might seem straightforward, but without the right support, it can become extremely complex. Unfortunately, many claimants discover too late that their adviser doesn’t offer enquiry support – some providers simply file the claim, take their fee, and vanish.
This leaves businesses exposed when HMRC R&D officers launch an enquiry, which they increasingly do.
| “RandD’s support was invaluable.”
Dr Sinisa Slijepcevic, CEO, Cantab Pi: “We were fully prepared by Randd to defend our R&D claim. Their technical knowledge, understanding of HMRC’s process and efficient handling of the paperwork made all the difference. We kept every penny – and we’re still celebrating.” Navigating an HMRC enquiry? Trust RandD to protect your R&D tax credits. Read the full case study to see how we’ve helped clients maximise their claim value. |
Why DIY & Budget Providers Fall Short
- No defence built into the claim: Many reports are created with minimal technical scrutiny and cannot withstand an HMRC review.
- No support during an enquiry: If you prepared a DIY claim or used a low-cost provider, you’re likely on your own when HMRC asks questions.
- Time and resources drained: You may be forced to scramble for documentation, rewrite reports, and answer complex technical questions without expert help.
Unlike many firms, Randd doesn’t walk away after submission. We:
- Defend all claims we prepare as standard.
- Represent clients directly in the event of an HMRC enquiry.
- Even defend claims we didn’t originally prepare, to help businesses recover or salvage their R&D relief.
In today’s high-risk environment, enquiry defence isn’t optional – it’s essential. Randd ensures your submission is compliant, supportable, and protected from day one.
| Curious What Your R&D Claim Could Be Worth? Try RanddUK’s FREE R&D Tax Credit Calculator and get an instant estimate of your potential tax relief. – Quick & easy to use – No obligation – See if your business is missing out on thousands Calculate Your R&D Claim Now! |
Why Full-Service Claim Defence Should Be a Dealbreaker
When it comes to HMRC R&D tax credits, choosing the right adviser can mean the difference between a smooth payout and a stressful enquiry. As R&D tax credits and HMRC guidelines grow stricter, working with a provider that offers full-service claim defence is the best way to ensure compliance and avoid delays.
Below, we’ve outlined what businesses risk without defence and what they gain by partnering with Randd:
| Without Defence | With Randd |
| Risk of HMRC penalties | Specialist-backed, fully justified claims |
| Unclear technical eligibility | Sector-specific experts vet and validate your R&D tax relief claim |
| DIY reporting | Clear, structured, compliant claims that HMRC can trust |
| No support during enquiries | Claim defence is standard, not just a bonus |
Randd’s Approach: How We Shield You From HMRC Trouble
At RanddUK, we do more than just process your HMRC R&D tax credits claim – we protect it from start to finish. Our fully managed, defence-first approach means you’re never left to face HMRC R&D scrutiny alone.
Why Randd?
- Free 30-minute consultation to assess eligibility with zero commitment
- £250million+ in R&D tax credits recovered for UK businesses
- £50,000+ average claim value – one of the highest in the industry
- 100% enquiry support included as standard – not a paid extra
With Randd, you don’t just get a claim – you get confidence. Book your consultation today and receive the payout your business’s innovation deserves.
