Before you ask your client any questions, make sure to do two things. Firstly, remind them of the claim period dates so that everyone is clear about the period of time being talked about. Keep them focused on the relevant period of time for the claim.

Secondly, it’s always good to recap HMRC’s eligibility criteria. You need to make sure that your client understands and is comfortable with what is meant by “eligibility”. Ensure that the client understands the concept of the following principles and can relate them to their project:

• Technological baseline – the existing level of knowledge or capability in the relevant field of science or technology.
• Technological uncertainties – the significant technical problems and hurdles that prevented them going from the baseline to the advance.
• Competent professionals – A qualified or experienced individual within the company that can assess the project, define the baseline, and explain why the uncertainties couldn’t be overcome with existing technology.

Ideally, your client will have read HMRC’s guidance before the meeting. This will allow you to focus on their projects specifically, rather than spending too much time defining general concepts for them. Our free eligibility checklist is a useful tool for these conversations and helps you ask all the most important questions. Leave a client conversation with each box ticked and you can rest assured you’re off to a strong start.