Is Your R&D Tax Claim Ready for HMRC’s Tougher Checks?
HMRC is significantly increasing its scrutiny of Research & Development (R&D) tax relief claims. With errors costing the treasury an estimated £441 million last year and one in five claims now facing an enquiry, it's more important than ever to ensure your submission is flawless.
This isn't a temporary measure; it's a new standard. HMRC has invested heavily in compliance, adding hundreds of new staff to its R&D team. For businesses like yours, this means a much higher chance of investigation. At Zyla, we're here to help you navigate this tougher landscape and ensure your claim is not just compliant, but bulletproof.
What’s Changed and Why It Matters to You
Two new processes are fundamentally changing how R&D claims are handled:
The Additional Information Form (AIF): This mandatory form requires a detailed, upfront breakdown of your projects, costs, and justifications for the R&D. Vague or poorly evidenced submissions are no longer an option.
The Mandatory Random Enquiry Programme (MREP): HMRC is now randomly selecting claims for a full review, regardless of size, industry, or history. This means even a perfectly valid, error-free claim can be chosen for investigation.
Beyond the random checks, common triggers for an enquiry include simple errors (like payroll mismatches or miscategorised costs) and complex claims (such as those involving subcontractors or multiple projects).
How We Build a Stronger R&D Claim Together
Navigating these challenges requires a proactive and meticulous approach. A delayed or rejected claim can seriously impact your cash flow and financial planning. Here’s how we protect your business and strengthen your claim.
1. Comprehensive, Enquiry-Ready Documentation 📝
The best defence against an HMRC enquiry is robust evidence. We work with you from the very beginning to ensure every detail is captured correctly. We’ll guide you on documenting the technical specifics of your projects, tracking staff time accurately, and validating every cost with corresponding payroll data, invoices, and receipts. This creates a clear, transparent audit trail that stands up to scrutiny.
2. Integrating Compliance into Your Workflow
R&D compliance shouldn't be a last-minute rush. We help you embed best practices into your day-to-day operations. This includes training your teams on what information to capture and scheduling regular check-ins to build the claim throughout the year. This proactive approach minimises the risk of missing crucial details and makes the final submission process seamless.
3. Expert Guidance and Preparation
As a trusted part of The R&D Community, we provide more than just a submission service; we offer expert partnership. We ensure your claim is technically sound, financially accurate, and strategically prepared to be as defensible as possible. We proactively address potential red flags and build a comprehensive file that gives you peace of mind.
Partner with Zyla for R&D Confidence
HMRC’s tougher stance on R&D tax relief is here to stay. In this environment, an accurate, well-documented, and expertly prepared claim isn't just preferable—it's essential.
By partnering with Zyla, you turn a compliance challenge into an opportunity. Let us handle the complexities so you can focus on innovation, confident that your R&D claim is in safe hands.
Ready to secure your R&D tax relief with confidence? Get in touch with our expert team today.