Skip to content
Close
Contact
Phone: 01603213444E-Mail: enquiries@wilbyjones.co.uk
Book Consultation
Phone: 01603213444E-Mail: enquiries@wilbyjones.co.uk
Book Consultation
Architecture
Life Sciences
Architecture
Product Development
Structural & Civil Engineering
Mechanical & Electrical
Manufacturing
Agriculture
Software
Architecture
Life Sciences
Deep Tech
Product Development
Structural & Civil Engineering
Mechanical & Electrical
Manufacturing
Agriculture
Software
R&D Tax Credits
HMRC Enquiry Support
Patent Box
Accounting
Our Story
Our Team
Partner With Us
Join Our Team
Architectural view of large building with textured wall, showcasing modern design and structural elegance against a clear blue sky.

HMRC R&D Enquiry Support

Are you facing an enquiry? If so, we’ve got your back.

 

What does a HMRC R&D enquiry mean for your business?

An R&D Tax enquiry is an HMRC review that checks whether your claim includes costs or projects that aren’t eligible for relief. Even if your claim is 100% accurate, the process can be time-consuming, stressful, and take months to resolve.

We make this process straightforward. Our expert R&D Enquiry Support team liaises directly with HMRC on your behalf, proving your eligibility and helping secure your funding faster.

£13 million Freed from enquiries in the last year
£13 million Freed from enquiries in the last year
94% Our current Enquiry Defence success rate
An assortment of vibrant red chili peppers scattered on a brown background, showcasing their varying shapes and sizes.
TOUCH
Product Development Funding Protected: £4,300
Product DevelopmentFunding Protected: £4,300

This product development firm faced an uphill battle after HMRC challenged its R&D tax relief claim for an innovative nicotine deterrent. We resolved the enquiry and secured the full claim.

Discover How We Helped
A baby lying on a patterned play mat, reaching for colourful hanging toys, including a sloth and rings, with a caregiver's hand above.
TOUCH
Product Development Funding Protected: £136,944
Product Development Funding Protected: £136,944

As the business looked towards its next phase of growth, it turned to government incentives to support expansion. Discover how they successfully resolved HMRC's enquiry.

Discover How We Helped
Group of construction workers in high vis stand in front of yellow digger on building site
TOUCH
Construction Funding Protected: £3.86 Million
Construction Funding Protected: £3.86 Million

This architectural firm turned to Wilby Jones after struggling to show HMRC how their innovative design methods were transforming complex builds across Asia.

Discover How We Helped
A cluster of hexagonal shapes and glowing blue neon rods is arranged against a dark background, creating an abstract, futuristic pattern with vibrant light reflections.
TOUCH
Software Funding Protected: £790,134
Software Funding Protected: £790,134

The client approached Wilby Jones as they were stuck in an HMRC enquiry with another adviser who didn’t offer enquiry support.

Discover How We Helped
battersea power station on a sunny day with blue sky
TOUCH
Joinery Contracters Funding Protected: £1.46m
Joinery ContractersFunding Protected: £1.46m

HMRC questioned the validity of the R&D, especially how the client’s work within a listed building was new and innovative.

Discover How We Helped
Two rows of whiskey barrels face each other in a low lit room
TOUCH
Geothermal Engineering Funding Protected: £3.62 Million
Geothermal EngineeringFunding Protected: £3.62 Million

Geothermal engineers approached Wilby Jones after a three-year enquiry battle with HMRC. Even with prior professional advice, HMRC still didn’t fully understand the R&D work or the advancement being created within their field.

A recording studio with a large mixing console, computer screens, and audio equipment. Five electric guitars hang on the wall above, and a painting of a woman is displayed on a monitor in the center.
TOUCH
Software Funding Protected: £200,000
SoftwareFunding Protected: £200,000

After two years unsuccessfully defending their claim with their accountant, they came to Wilby Jones as a last hope before accepting HMRC’s decision, despite carrying out genuine R&D.

94% Our current Enquiry Defence success rate

What Is an R&D Tax Enquiry?

An HMRC ‘compliance check’, commonly known as an enquiry, is an in-depth investigation by HM Revenue and Customs into the legitimacy of a company’s R&D tax credit claim. This is a necessary part of HMRC’s work to maintain the integrity of the tax relief system and prevent potential abuse of the R&D tax relief scheme. An enquiry can last several months before the outcome is determined, with HMRC often requesting detailed technical explanations, financial breakdowns, and supporting evidence to assess whether the claimed work meets the definition of qualifying R&D.

What Information Does HMRC Ask For?

HMRC will usually ask for evidence that the work qualifies as genuine R&D and that the costs claimed are accurate. This often includes a detailed explanation of the project, the scientific or technological advance being sought, the technical uncertainties faced, how they were overcome, and why the work could not easily be resolved by a competent professional. HMRC may also request project timelines, staff roles, a breakdown of qualifying expenditure, supporting financial records, and technical evidence such as designs, testing records, or prototypes.

What Are the Likely Outcomes of an HMRC R&D Enquiry?

Full acceptance of the claim
HMRC agrees that the R&D activity and costs fully meet the criteria, and the original tax relief claim is upheld with no changes.
Partial adjustment
HMRC accepts that R&D activity took place but reduces the claim by disallowing certain costs, projects, or activities that don’t meet the qualifying criteria.
Full rejection

HMRC concludes that the work does not qualify as R&D or that the evidence is insufficient, and the entire claim is withdrawn or denied.
Repayment and penalties (in some cases)

If HMRC finds errors, overclaims, or careless/deliberate non-compliance, the company may be required to repay tax relief already received, sometimes with interest and penalties applied.
Ongoing enquiry or agreement
In some cases, HMRC may keep the enquiry open while requesting further information, or reach a negotiated settlement where both sides agree on a revised claim value.

Your Success Is Our Success.

We know that improving the day-to-day lives of our employees means we are better placed to support our clients. It’s the reason we offer a benefits package to support your well-being. With quarterly celebrations, company-wide events, and regular team socials we've built a culture that is true to ourselves.

We have ambitious plans to establish ourselves as a market leader within our industry over the next five years. This exciting journey means more opportunities for you too - Every role we create is strategically linked to our growth plan, offering you the chance to develop your skills and career alongside a thriving company!
Meet Our Team

Our Enquiry Process

1
Diagnosing the claim
Having sent us your R&D paperwork and any HMRC correspondence, our tax dispute team will review everything. Analysing past discussions to identify potential concerns. They’ll also leverage their technical expertise to understand your R&D activities in detail. This comprehensive analysis allows us to build a solid foundation for your defence and create a clear roadmap for the rest of the process.
2
Advice on next steps
Following this we’ll recommend the most effective strategy for navigating the enquiry. This strategy will be tailored to your specific situation, focusing on achieving the best possible outcome (whether that’s a swift resolution or a strong case for improving your R&D tax credit entitlement). We won’t bury you in jargon – we’ll provide a clear, concise report outlining your current position with HMRC and what it means for your claim.
3
Handling the response

We take the lead in managing all formal interactions with HMRC, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: running your business. Of course, you’ll be kept fully informed of developments at every stage. If additional information is required to strengthen your claim, we’ll work collaboratively with you to gather everything necessary. This may include on-site visits to gain a deeper understanding of your R&D activities.
4
Resolution & monitoring

HMRC raises a point? We’ve got your back. Our team will craft clear, compelling written responses to address their concerns directly. In many cases, these responses are enough to resolve the enquiry entirely. With Wilby Jones by your side, you can face any R&D enquiry with confidence. We’ll handle the complexities, secure your rightful credits, and get you back to what you do best – driving innovation.

Do You Need an Enquiry Resolved?

If HMRC is reviewing your R&D tax claim, we can help you respond clearly and confidently, ensuring your technical work and costs are properly evidenced and understood. We manage the process end-to-end, working with HMRC to resolve enquiries efficiently and protect the value of your claim.
Speak to Our Enquiry Team    >

Enquiry Stages

1
Diagnosing the Claim
Having sent us your R&D paperwork and any HMRC correspondence, our tax dispute team will review everything. Analysing past discussions to identify potential concerns. They’ll also leverage their technical expertise to understand your R&D activities in detail. This comprehensive analysis allows us to build a solid foundation for your defence and create a clear roadmap for the rest of the process.
2
Advice on next steps
Following this we’ll recommend the most effective strategy for navigating the enquiry. This strategy will be tailored to your specific situation, focusing on achieving the best possible outcome (whether that’s a swift resolution or a strong case for improving your R&D tax credit entitlement). We won’t bury you in jargon – we’ll provide a clear, concise report outlining your current position with HMRC and what it means for your claim.
3
Handling the formal response
We take the lead in managing all formal interactions with HMRC, leaving you free to focus on what matters most: running your business. Of course, you’ll be kept fully informed of developments at every stage. If additional information is required to strengthen your claim, we’ll work collaboratively with you to gather everything necessary. This may include on-site visits to gain a deeper understanding of your R&D activities.
4
Resolution & Monitoring
HMRC raises a point? We’ve got your back. Our team will craft clear, compelling written responses to address their concerns directly. In many cases, these responses are enough to resolve the enquiry entirely. With Wilby Jones by your side, you can face any R&D enquiry with confidence. We’ll handle the complexities, secure your rightful credits, and get you back to what you do best – driving innovation.

Meet Our Enquiry Team

Our enquiry support team boasts the technical, financial and legislative firepower needed to prove to HMRC that your work and costs are eligible for R&D Tax Relief.

Simon Wilby, Director in black polo, smiling. The background shows a grid of dark-framed glass office windows, slightly out of focus.
More About Me
Simon Wilby DirectorMore About Me
Holly Lyden, Enquiry Manager in spotted top, smiling. The background shows a grid of dark-framed glass office windows, slightly out of focus.
More About Me
Holly Lyden, MA Tax Dispute ManagerMore About Me
James Nash, R&D Dispute Associate in black top, smiling. The background shows a grid of dark-framed glass office windows, slightly out of focus.
More About Me
James Nash, LLB R&D Dispute AssociateMore About Me

Relevant Articles

A large historic building with a prominent dome, decorative architectural elements, and ornate details, situated at the corner of a city intersection. The surrounding area includes light traffic and street signs under a cloudy sky.
TOUCH
How to Resolve an R&D Enquiry
How to Resolve an R&D Enquiry

Around one in five R&D tax relief claims now face investigation as part of HMRC’s broader crackdown on non-compliance.

Read Article
Architectural view of large stone columns and textured wall, showcasing modern design and structural elegance against a clear blue sky.
TOUCH
Lessons Learnt From Successful Enquiry Defence
Lessons Learnt From Successful Enquiry Defence

Enquiries are becoming more common across the industry, as HMRC rightly crack down on abuse in the scheme. 

Read Article
Two professionals discussing business reports and charts at a desk, emphasizing collaboration and strategy in a modern office setting.
TOUCH
Should I Switch Advisers When Facing An HMRC Enquiry?
Should I Switch Advisers When Facing An HMRC Enquiry?

You’ve partnered with an adviser, submitted your claim but now, HMRC has opened an enquiry to investigate your activity. Should you switch? 

Read Article
A street view featuring Falmouth Hall, a classical white building with ornate architectural details, next to a modern glass-paneled building. A black lamppost is visible in the foreground with greenery and trees in the scene.
TOUCH
The 5 Most Common HMRC Enquiry Questions
The 5 Most Common HMRC Enquiry Questions

If you’re submitting an R&D claim, it’s well known within the industry that HMRC scrutiny has increased significantly over the past five years.

Read Article
Two business professionals collaborating over a laptop, discussing ideas with a cup of coffee on the table, in a modern workspace.
TOUCH
What is a HMRC Enquiry and Can it be Avoided?
What is a HMRC Enquiry and Can it be Avoided?

HMRC enquiries can take a lot of time and resources, potentially causing delays in receiving your tax credits and disrupting business operations.

Read Article
A yellow road sign with a black U-turn arrow warns drivers of a sharp curve ahead, surrounded by trees with a winding road visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
TOUCH
How to Avoid an R&D Tax Claim Enquiry
How to Avoid an R&D Tax Claim Enquiry

HMRC enquiries can take a lot of time and resources, potentially causing delays in receiving your tax credits and disrupting business operations.

Read Article

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with HMRC directly? We collaborate with HMRC inspectors to provide our clients with expert guidance, to ensure that HMRC’s processes and expectations are fully met.
How long is an Enquiry likely to take? The length of an enquiry varies on the scope of questions asked by HMRC. However, we have a dedicated team who solely work on tax disputes which significantly reduces the length of time an enquiry takes.
What is the likelihood of an Enquiry resolving in the first instance? HMRC rarely closes a compliance check after a single response, though there have been exceptions. Their process is thorough and robust, often involving a back-and-forth to ensure the officer has all the information needed to conclude their investigation. Our experience and strong relationships with HMRC allow us to manage this dialogue efficiently, helping to accelerate the process and reduce disruption for your business.
Can you help if my original R&D claim was prepared by another adviser? Absolutely. It’s common for a company to seek a new, specialist adviser for an enquiry, especially if the original advisor is implicated in the error or doesn’t have a strong defence record.
INSIGHTS

What We Have to Say

Our fantastic team of report writers have prepared articles covering the land of tax extensively. If you have a question relating to accounting or tax, it's likely we've already written the answer.

HMRC’s Targeted Advance Assurance Pilot

R&D Tax Credits: What is an HMRC Enquiry and Can it be Avoided?