There is a lot of misinformation surrounding R&D tax relief claims. HMRC’s guidance can be difficult to interpret, and irresponsible advisors looking to make a quick buck can make promises that are impossible to keep.

What is the approach that you should take when discussing R&D tax claims with clients to ensure that everyone involved remains on the same page? Here are some tips to get you started:

  • Find out what your client already knows about the R&D tax relief scheme. Make sure they are aware of the key facts.
  • Ensure that they know the claim is always their responsibility. They should be fully engaged in the process at every step.
  • Explain the rates of relief and the risks of enquiries. Find out if filing a claim would be worth the time invested.
  • Your final task is to explain the next steps of the process to your client.

We go into a bit more depth on this subject in one of our past blog posts: 3 steps to effective R&D eligibility screening conversations

If you are looking to learn all the ins and outs of discussing eligibility with clients, we have a training module dedicated to the subject.