R&D Claim Review and Risk Assessment
Independent R&D tax claim review and risk assessment services for businesses seeking a clearer understanding of technical eligibility, evidential strength, compliance exposure and HMRC enquiry risk.
At iTax Advisors, we provide a detailed, objective assessment of existing or proposed R&D tax relief claims to help businesses identify weaknesses early, improve claim defensibility and strengthen governance before submission, enquiry or challenge.
Why independent claim reviews matter
Whether undertaken as part of a due diligence exercise or to assess the robustness of an existing methodology, an independent R&D tax claim review is often the most effective way to identify unsupported eligibility positions, weak technical narratives, and inaccurate cost treatments, before they develop into more significant compliance risks.
With increased HMRC scrutiny of R&D tax relief claims, businesses face growing pressure to demonstrate robust supporting evidence, a reasonable and consistent methodology and clearly articulated project justifications. A structured, independent risk assessment helps to reduce enquiry exposure, strengthen governance frameworks, and support more informed decision-making at both director and board level.
For many organisations, an external review also provides valuable reassurance that their R&D tax claim has been prepared to an appropriate professional standard, enhancing confidence among stakeholders and reducing the risk of challenge.
What we review
Our claim review and risk assessment process focuses on the technical, financial and evidential strength of the claim. This may include:
- a review of technical narratives and project eligibility.
- robustness of the assessment of qualifying expenditure, cost allocation and apportionments.
- identification of evidential weaknesses, documentation gaps and enquiry triggers.
- risk analysis of the claim aligned with current HMRC and DSIT expectations.
- practical recommendations to improve compliance and claim defensibility.
Whether you are preparing a claim, reviewing historic submissions or seeking a second opinion, our independent assessment provides clarity, confidence and a stronger compliance position.
Who this service is for
Our independent review service is suitable for:
- Companies seeking a second opinion on claim quality.
- Directors concerned about HMRC enquiry risk.
- Finance teams reviewing governance and compliance exposure.
- Investors or acquirers undertaking due diligence on previously submitted R&D claims.
- Companies responding to adviser, auditor or internal concerns.
Our Approach
We review every claim with fresh eyes, technical discipline and a strong focus on evidential integrity.
Our methodology involves testing project eligibility, challenging unsupported assumptions, reviewing calculations and assessing whether the supporting records genuinely support the position taken.
We do not provide generic commentary. Our findings are practical, commercially focused and designed to help businesses make informed decisions about submission strategy, remediation or next steps.
A broad overview of our Approach
1. Initial Scoping
We review the projects, calculations, narratives and supporting records to understand the overall claim position.
2. Technical and Financial Testing
We assess eligibility, cost treatment, apportionments and evidential support against current HMRC and DSIT expectations.
3. Risk Identification
We identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, unsupported assumptions and potential enquiry triggers.
4. Recommendations and Reporting
We provide clear, practical recommendations to strengthen claim defensibility, improve governance and support informed decision-making.
FAQs
Do we need an independent review if we already have an adviser?
Not always. However, an independent review can be valuable where the claim is material, technically complex or where directors want a stronger understanding of compliance risk and evidential quality.
Can you review historic R&D tax claims?
Yes. We can review previously submitted claims to identify weaknesses, assess exposure, support remediation planning and help businesses decide whether corrective action may be appropriate.
Can this help reduce HMRC enquiry risk?
Yes, a stronger evidential position, clearer technical analysis and improved governance can significantly improve claim defensibility and preparedness.
What types of businesses use this service?
Our clients include SMEs and larger organisations seeking a more rigorous review of claim quality and compliance exposure.