Enquiry Resolution Services

RCK Partners Enquiry Resolution Services (ERS) support accountants and companies facing HMRC R&D enquiries by leveraging the expertise of our Tax Dispute and R&D Specialists. Enquiries are handled by our Compliance team, comprised of lawyers, tax advisers, accountants, and former HMRC inspectors.

Our R&D Consultants are educated up to PhD level in various disciplines. We hire directly from industry so our consultants have both an educational and vocational understanding of the topics in which they prepare claims for and can understand the technical nuances of each R&D project.

We support companies that have submitted their own claims or used other providers who have been unable to help when an enquiry arises. Our specialists offer advice and assistance at any enquiry stage, minimising the time needed and stress. We also work directly with accountants on behalf of their clients. R&D enquiries can be complex, our experts provide the professional advice needed to resolve them efficiently.

FAQ

  • 01.

    How long does the process last?

    There is no set timeline for the resolution of an HMRC enquiry; it will continue until all reasonable concerns of the Inspector have been addressed. As a result of this, RCK Partners’ enquiry defence fee structure is primarily contingent upon the enquiry being successfully concluded. However, typically we see claims resolved within 6-9 months.  

  • 02.

    What should I do: I’ve received an enquiry letter from HMRC regarding an R&D claim?

    At the earliest opportunity, you should reach out to your R&D services provider, or independent experts, in order to ensure you understand all information that HMRC has requested and to discuss the potential risks at each stage. Timely responses, presenting the technical elements of the claim within the boundaries of the R&D guidelines, are essential for the successful resolution of any enquiry.

  • 03.

    What are the steps in the process?

    - Examination of claim documents and existing enquiry correspondence
    - Scoping call and risk analysis
    - Managing all correspondence with HMRC across multiple letter exchanges and potential calls with the Inspector
    - Claim resolution and penalty mitigation.

  • 04.

    What are the possible outcomes of an enquiry?

    The best-case scenario will result in the case officer accepting that the projects detailed in your claim are eligible under the R&D guidelines, resulting in the total amount of qualifying expenditure that was submitted being approved. In the worst case, the projects will be deemed to not be eligible, even after appeal. In those cases, none of the qualifying expenditure will be approved and the Inspector will be required to consider penalties for careless or inaccurate submission of tax returns.

    Our experience varies on a case by case basis, and the result is dependent on the underlying quality of work put forward. Where clients have submitted a claim to HMRC in good faith, even if the Inspector concludes against allowing the claim, our experience is that we can work with HMRC to agree a way forward that does not result in the payment of penalties, provided that the claimant commits to understanding and abiding by HMRC guidance going forward.

  • 04.

    Who is responsible for Enquiry Support Services at RCK Partners?

    Eli Gottlieb is RCK Partners’ Head of Risk and Compliance who oversees all Claim Resolutions with the support of the in-house Compliance Team.

  • 04.

    Are you able to assist with Capital Allowances enquiries?

    Absolutely, RCK Partners’ dedicated Capital Allowances team work closely with the Compliance team on all Capital Allowances enquiry responses.

  • 04.

    How does RCK handle Capital Allowances enquiries?

    When faced with an enquiry, our experienced Capital Allowances team guides you through the process, ensuring timely responses and adherence to Capital Allowance Tax relief guidelines. Our fee structure is contingent upon successfully resolving the enquiry, providing you with peace of mind. We examine claim documents, conduct scoping calls, and manage correspondence with HMRC, aiming for the best outcome. Whether it’s gaining approval for qualifying expenditure or addressing specific concerns, we’ll support you in navigating these complexities with confidence.  

  • 04.

    The letter I received mentions penalties, how will this affect me?

    Inspectors are obliged to consider applying penalties in any situation in which the claim value is reduced over the course of the enquiry. Penalties can be up to 30% of the tax due in cases where the submission is deemed to be careless, between 20% and 70% for submission of deliberately incorrect information, and between 30% and 100% where the claim is deemed to have been deliberately incorrect and concealed.  

    Penalties can be reduced or mitigated entirely depending on multiple factors, including open and timely responses to HMRC and assisting in calculating any changes in tax due. RCK Partners will advise on all stages of enquiry response with a view to reducing the risk of incurring penalties, where it is reasonable and possible to do so.

Enquiry Resolution Services

Enquiry Resolution Case Study 1

Software

RCK resolved 2 years of enquiries and 3 historical claims.

A large software company had 5 years of claims under enquiry. RCK resolved two years of ongoing enquiries and three historic claims, resulting in a qualifying expenditure that satisfied both HMRC and the company. An early cash payment was secured before the enquiry concluded, and a methodology was established for ongoing claims.

Construction & Energy

RCK resolved 2 years of enquiries and 3 historical claims.

A large software company had 5 years of claims under enquiry. RCK resolved two years of ongoing enquiries and three historic claims, resulting in a qualifying expenditure that satisfied both HMRC and the company. An early cash payment was secured before the enquiry concluded, and a methodology was established for ongoing claims.

Enquiry Resolution Case Study 2

Get in touch

We would be happy to help you, please get in touch with any queries by using our contact form. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

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