R&D Claim Review
An independent review of your R&D tax relief claim, before or after filing, so you understand its strengths and weaknesses before HMRC looks at it.
An independent check on your R&D claim
HMRC has increased its scrutiny of research and development (R&D) tax relief claims. Claims need to be well supported, with clear evidence that the work meets the qualifying conditions and that costs have been calculated correctly.
Our R&D claim review gives you an independent view of a claim, whether it is still being prepared or has already been filed, so you can address any weaknesses before they become a problem.
What an R&D claim review involves
A review typically looks at:
- Whether the projects meet HMRC’s definition of R&D
- The technical narrative and supporting evidence
- How qualifying costs have been identified and calculated
- Whether the correct scheme and rules have been applied
- Required notifications and forms, including a claim notification form where one is needed and the additional information form, which must be sent to HMRC before the claim is made
We agree the scope with you before we start, and give you a clear written report.
Who it's for
This service is for companies that have claimed, or plan to claim, R&D relief, including:
- Companies preparing a first claim
- Companies that used a specialist claims provider
- Companies that have received an HMRC enquiry letter
- Directors who want reassurance before signing a return
What you get
Following the review, you receive:
- A written report on the strength of the claim
- Findings on eligibility, evidence and costs
- Recommended changes or additional evidence
- Advice on amending a claim if needed
- A clear view of risk areas
- Support if HMRC raises questions
How our R&D claim review works
- Agree the scope
We agree the scope and the claims to be reviewed. - Share the claim
You share the claim, technical narrative and cost workings. - Review the claim
We review eligibility, evidence and calculations. - Written report
We send a written report and talk you through it. - Amend or respond
If needed, we help you amend the claim or respond to HMRC.
What we need from you
- The claim, or draft claim, and the company tax return it relates to
- The technical narrative and any project records
- Cost workings, such as payroll, subcontractor and consumables figures
- Any notification or additional information form already sent to HMRC
- Any HMRC letters about the claim
Timescales and key dates
- If your company is claiming for the first time, or its last claim was more than 3 years before the deadline, it must send HMRC a claim notification form no later than 6 months after the end of the period of account the claim relates to. The government has announced that no claim notification form will be needed for claims made on or after 1 April 2027.
- Measures announced at the Budget on 28 October 2026 still need Finance Bill or other legislation before they become law, and rates can change at future fiscal events.
- The additional information form must be sent before the claim is made
- We agree a timetable for the report when we agree the scope
How it works
Your first conversation is a Discovery & Scoping Call. Its purpose is to understand your situation and agree where IB&Co can help. From there, the process follows five clear steps.
Discovery
We start by understanding your circumstances and objectives.
Scope
We identify the areas requiring further consideration.
Review
Where appropriate, we undertake a detailed advisory review.
Recommendations
We provide professional guidance based on the agreed scope of work.
Ongoing Support
Where required, we provide ongoing planning and advisory support.
Meet your adviser
Ishmael Bangura, Managing Partner
Other tax advisory services
Our R&D claim review sits alongside our R&D tax credits service and wider tax advice. Explore related services below.
R&D Tax Credits
For companies investing in new products, processes or technical problem-solving. We help you identify qualifying R&D activity and costs, and prepare a clear, well-supported claim to HMRC.
Tax Investigation Support
For individuals and businesses who have received an enquiry letter from HMRC. We act for you, deal with HMRC directly and guide you through each stage, so you do not face it alone.
Corporation Tax Planning
For companies that want more visibility of their Corporation Tax. We review your position during the year, before the accounts are prepared, so legitimate planning opportunities are not missed.
Business Tax Advisory
For owner-managed and growing businesses. We review your plans with you and give practical tax advice before decisions are made, rather than looking at tax only once the year has ended.
Director Tax Planning
For company directors and shareholders. We review how you take money from your company, including salary, dividends and pension contributions, so your approach still fits your circumstances.
Personal Tax Planning
For individuals with several income streams or changing circumstances. We look at your income, savings, pensions and family finances together, and help you plan ahead rather than react to deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We can review filed claims and advise whether an amendment is needed.
Yes. Our R&D tax credits service helps companies prepare claims. A review is an independent check on an existing or draft claim.
We explain the issues and options clearly, including how to correct a claim where appropriate.
Yes. We can review the claim and support you in responding to HMRC.
No. HMRC can still check any claim. A review helps you understand the risks and put the claim on a sound footing.
Fees are agreed in advance, after your Discovery & Scoping Call, based on the scope of work. You will receive a written proposal before any work starts.
Request a callback
Prefer us to call you? Leave your details, the service you are interested in and a convenient time, and a member of the IB&Co team will call you back to talk through your circumstances.
Get an independent view of your R&D claim
Book a Discovery & Scoping Call to talk through your claim, or ask for a quote and we will come back to you with a proposal.
Checked on 30 October 2026.