Referring to R&D experts and supporting clients with their claims

As the number of research and development (R&D) claims has exploded in recent years so too has the number of advisers specialising in this particular area of tax.

It has added a layer of complexity to the accountant/client relationship with the former often being asked to recommend R&D advisers to their clients – or even being challenged on why they have not identified that their clients could be eligible to submit a claim.

Navigating the incentive is about to become even more complex – with increased HMRC enquiries and changes to the claims process on the horizon – thanks to a government realisation that a significant proportion of claims being submitted are in fact fraudulent.

Setting the scene

It is fair to say the government schemes which offer businesses the chance to claim back tax on their research and development spending were slow to get off...