Navigating the world of Research and Development tax credits can feel deceptively simple – until it isn’t. Many UK businesses attempt to submit their own claims or rely on general accountants, only to leave thousands on the table or face HMRC scrutiny later.
This is where R&D tax relief specialists like Randd come in. We focus exclusively on maximising claims, ensuring compliance, and protecting your business from costly mistakes. Throughout the guide, we will explain:
- The hidden risks of the DIY R&D claim process
- How to claim R&D tax credits the right way
- The importance of an R&D tax credit specialist
- What R&D tax specialists know that DIY teams miss
- The difference between R&D tax specialists & general accountants
- How Randd can help you maximise the outcome of your claim
Let’s dive in!
| Try Our Free R&D Tax Credit Calculator Want to know how much your business could claim? Use Randd’s free, easy-to-use R&D tax credit calculator to get a quick estimate in just minutes – no strings attached. Start your claim smarter – try our FREE calculator today! |
DIY R&D Claims: What Are The Hidden Risks?
In 2024, UK business expenditure on R&D rose to £46.7billion, indicating that innovation is accelerating in all sectors. As more companies invest in R&D, the pressure to accurately submit claims tightens – and HMRC regulations update accordingly.
If you’re relying solely on your finance team or accountant to handle your R&D application, you may risk submitting an incomplete or inaccurate claim. DIY claims often result in underclaimed relief, misclassified costs, or non-compliant submissions – mistakes that can trigger HMRC scrutiny or lead to missed opportunities.
Specialist support ensures your claim not only meets compliance standards but captures the full financial benefit your innovation deserves.
The Common Pitfalls of DIY R&D Claims
Choosing to submit your R&D tax credit claim without a specialist may feel like a cost-saving measure – but it can end up being the most expensive option. Businesses commonly leave out important details, leaving significant money unclaimed.
DIY and accountant-led R&D claims often fall short due to:
- Misclassified costs: Failing to allocate expenditure correctly.
- Underclaiming: Missing out on less obvious R&D activities.
- Inadequate documentation: Vague or generic reports.
- Non-compliance: Risking penalties or rejected claims
At Randd, we’ve recovered up to 9x more for clients compared to accountant-submitted or DIY claims. We mitigate risks by executing an assessment at three separate stages – protecting your claim and your business.
| £250million+ claimed. £50,000+ average. Join the thousands of UK businesses who have trusted Randd to maximise their R&D tax credit claims. We’ve secured over £250million for our clients, with an average claim value of £50,000+ – one of the highest in the industry. Don’t leave money on the table – let’s get your claim started today. Explore our previous client testimonials for more details on how we can help. |
How to Claim R&D Tax Credits the Right Way
Wondering how to claim R&D tax credits the right way? It starts with a detailed understanding of your eligible activities and the latest HMRC guidelines. Randd takes care of the entire process:
| Why You Need An R&D Tax Credit Specialist | How Randd Can Help |
|
|
| We Defend Your R&D Claim – Even If We Didn’t Submit It! Worried about an HMRC enquiry? With Randd, you’re not alone. We include full claims defence as standard – even for claims we didn’t prepare. That’s the peace of mind only true R&D tax specialists can offer. Book your free consultation today! |
R&D Tax Credit Specialists vs. General Accountants: What’s the Difference?
When claiming R&D tax credits, the difference between working with a dedicated R&D tax specialist and a general accountant can be substantial. While both support your finances, only one is focused exclusively on maximising your claim and protecting it from HMRC scrutiny.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key differences to help you make an informed choice:
| Aspect | Randd’s R&D Tax Specialists | General Accountants |
| Primary Focus | Exclusively on R&D tax credits & submissions | Broad financial & tax services |
| Expertise Level | Deep technical & sector-specific R&D knowledge | General tax & financial knowledge |
| Claim Accuracy | High accuracy & maximised claim value through niche insight | Risk of underclaiming due to limited R&D understanding |
| HMRC Compliance | Fully aligned with current R&D legislation & documentation | May lack familiarity with R&D specific HMRC requirements |
| Enquiry Support | Robust defence & direct HMRC communication, including legacy claims | Limited experience handling technical HMRC enquiries |
| Claim Preparation | End-to-end service, from consultation to submission & defence | Often limited to financial calculations or basic support |
| Industry Understanding | Experts in sectors like software, agriculture, engineering & more | Generalist approach with minimal sector-specific insight |
| Industry Experts, Not Generic Writers Your R&D claim deserves more than a template. At Randd, your submission is built by sector-specific specialists – not generic report writers. From agriculture and engineering to software and life sciences, we have real experts who speak your industry’s language. Accurate. Insightful. Built to maximise your return. Discover more about our industry experts today! |
Claim More & Save Time with Randd’s R&D Tax Specialists
Think you’ve already claimed everything you’re owed? You may be surprised. Our team can:
- Review past submissions for missed opportunities
- Reclaim additional tax relief on overlooked activities
- Defend historical claims – even ones we didn’t file
Get a no-obligation, free review to see what you’re leaving on the table. With HMRC tightening its approach, now is the time to review your claims and switch to a partner who gets it right, every time.
Maximise your return, minimise your risk. Speak to Randd today.
