HMRC R&D Enquiry Support Services

Receiving an HMRC R&D enquiry can be stressful and time-consuming. Our enquiry resolution team specialise in resolving compliance checks, defending your claim, and securing the best possible outcome quickly, clearly, and with minimal disruption to your business.

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Proactive support when it matters most

An HMRC R&D Enquiry Notice doesn’t have to be a setback. Our Enquiry Resolution Services (ERS) are designed to guide you through the entire process, ensuring your claim is robust, accurate and HMRC compliant.

With a dedicated team of R&D compliance specialists sharing over 25 years of experience resolving HMRC R&D enquiries, we’re here to advocate for your R&D tax claim, providing clarity, confidence and timely resolutions.

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Our HMRC R&D Enquiry Process

Our enquiry support process is designed to address HMRC’s concerns whilst minimising disruption to your business. Tailored to your individual needs, each step is defined to ensure each enquiry is handled quickly and comprehensively.

Claim Review

We will begin with a detailed assessment of your submitted R&D claim and any prior correspondence you have had with HMRC. This allows us to establish the strengths of the original claim and identify areas that require further clarification.

Collaborative Consultation

Next, we will arrange a meeting to discuss the context behind the enquiry, HMRC’s requests, and the supporting materials provided to date. Where relevant, we'll also reference current legislation to ensure you are informed on the latest HMRC guidance.

3. Evidence Gathering

If additional documentation or technical detail is required, we will work with you to collect the relevant information, ensuring that the enquiry response is as accurate and persuasive as possible.

Drafting a Response

Once all required materials are in place, our ERS team will draft a formal response for the business to review. At this stage, we will also advise on any enhancements that may improve the submission’s impact, allowing us to reach a resolution sooner.

Meet The Enquiry Support Team

James Allen
Senior Tax Manager
Callum Axon
Tax Assistant Manager
Meet the Team

Appealing your enquiry decision

In some cases, even with a thorough and well-managed response, a Notice of Enquiry may not result in immediate closure or resolution. When this occurs, there are routes available for you to appeal the enquiry decision, and we stand ready to support you every step of the way.

Solicitor’s Office and Legal Services (SOLS)

You can request an internal legal review conducted by HMRC’s legal team (SOLS) to impartially assess the technical and legal merits of the case. You must submit this internal review within 30 days of the original decision date.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

If your internal review is unsuccessful, you may request an ADR. This is a facilitated negotiation led by a HMRC mediator, designed to resolve disputes constructively without the need for litigation.

First-tier Tax Tribunal

If you still haven’t reached an agreement regarding the outcome of your R&D tax claim, you can continue your appeal with a formal judicial process, granting you the opportunity to have your case reviewed independently of HMRC.

Supporting you through your appeal

As your enquiry resolution partner, we provide specialist support across all enquiry appeal routes. From strategic advice to representation, we aim to remove uncertainty and reduce the emotional and administrative burden of an appeal, acting as both an advisor and an advocate for our clients.

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What Our Clients Say

Real feedback from businesses across the UK, highlighting the value Streets Innovation can bring.

Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Streets’ R&D team

We’ve been very happy with the service that James Allen and his team at Streets have provided. The information and guidance throughout the process have been clear, easy to follow, and well communicated. The reports produced were thorough, accurate, and delivered efficiently. James made it very easy for us to provide and share the necessary information, and his professional yet approachable manner made the whole process straightforward - even while we were managing a lot of other work. Overall, we’re extremely pleased with the service and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Streets’ R&D team.

Managing Director Simon Hutton - Tillers Turf Company

We’re truly grateful for all your support

We’re really pleased to let you know that we’ve just received our repayment from HMRC, and we’re truly grateful for all your support in making that happen. We’re so glad that you and Streets became involved with us. Seeing not only the repayment now but also the benefits going forward is encouraging. The idea, the execution, the patent, and bringing a new system to market has taken its toll on both me and Lynn. So, it’s a real boost to finally see something tangible come back, something we can put straight back into R&D. So please take a bow, we want to thank both you and Streets for your effort and expertise.

Commercial Director Neil Bracewell - Dext Heat Recovery

Outstanding Expertise and Clear, Practical R&D Guidance

Working with Streets has been an outstanding experience. Their strategic insight, attention to detail and deep understanding of the landscape made a complex process clear and achievable. The team combined professionalism with genuine commitment, helping us strengthen every aspect of our submission. We couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable and supportive partner.

Managing Director Paul Johnson - Fixit Medical

You got our business from the start...

Rehman, Helena, Maddie, thank you, you got our business from the start and made the process seamless for us. Really appreciate it. Fingers, toes, and arms crossed now!

Daniela - Swal.ly

Trusted Support and Reassurance Through HMRC Review

As discussed, we would like to thank you and your team for the first-class service you have provided. Given your thoroughness we have absolute confidence that our claim for 2022 will stand up to any HMRC scrutiny.

Paneltex Limited

Expert Handling of HMRC Audits With Exceptional Client Support

We used Streets to help support us when we were audited by HMRC for an R&D claim. We had used a different agent to do the original claim and were initially told we did not qualify for R&D. We engaged Streets quite late in the process, mainly hoping to avoid penalties as a worst-case scenario. Not only did Streets support us in crafting a response, they guided us through the process in a highly supportive way, and ultimately we won the claim. The team were excellent throughout — responses were always prompt, thorough, and it was genuinely a pleasure to work with them. It was a completely different level of service compared to our previous agent.

Kiroku Limited

A Well‑Supported and Increasingly Efficient R&D Claims Process

Feedback on this year's process: it went well. We appreciated the support from you and Callum and the focus on a robust submission; the preparation felt tighter and clearer than in prior years. Thanks again for your help this year.

Teignbridge Propellers International Ltd & Duncan Research & Development Ltd

End‑to‑End R&D Support That Delivers Real Results

We're really pleased to let you know that we've just received our repayment from HMRC, and we're truly grateful for all your support in making that happen. We're so glad that you and Streets became involved with us. This time it's been a completely different experience compared to previous advisers. Seeing not only the repayment now but also the benefits going forward is very encouraging. It’s been a long journey, so it’s a real boost to finally see something tangible come back that we can reinvest into R&D. Thank you to you and the Streets team for your effort and expertise.

Dext Heat Recovery

Consistently Professional, Reliable and High‑Quality Service

Thank you for everything you do for us - it is so professional. Perfect as always - thank you.

Hose‑Equip Limited (HEL)

Why Choose Streets Innovation?

Whether you’re facing your first Notice of Enquiry or considering appealing your decision, our team at Streets Innovation have the experience and technical insights to safeguard your claim.

Technical Expertise

Our deep technical insight allows us to accurately understand even the most complex projects, ensuring all claims and appeals are technically sound.

Quality Assurance

Our commitment to quality and compliance mitigates unnecessary risk and ensures the highest standards.

Collaborative Approach

We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients that allow us to form bespoke strategies that help us achieve the best possible outcome for your claim.

End-to-End Consultants

From research to submission, we’re here through every stage of the enquiry process.

Speak to our enquiry support team

Book a free consultation with one of our R&D compliance specialists and see how we can support your tax claim.

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R&D Enquiry Support FAQs

Can you avoid an R&D tax claim enquiry?

The best way to prevent an R&D tax claim enquiry is to ensure your original submission is accurate, technically sound and HMRC compliant. However, it’s important to note that any claim, regardless of its size or merit, can still be selected at random for enquiry. If you do receive a Notice of Enquiry, a robust submission should help minimise the duration and complexity of the enquiry resolution process.

Why does HMRC open R&D tax enquiries?

There are several reasons why HMRC may open a Notice of Enquiry. The most common reasons include:

  • - Technical uncertainties within your submission that require further clarification
  • - Inaccuracies in your financial figures
  • - Insufficient evidence of your R&D eligibility
  • - Routine compliance checks
How long can an HMRC enquiry last?

In most cases, an R&D tax enquiry will be resolved within 6-12 months. However, depending on the complexity of the case, some enquiries can take over two years to resolve. We recommend responding to queries promptly and as comprehensively as possible to minimise the duration of the appeal process.

What percentage of submissions receive a Notice of Enquiry?

Up to 20% of all R&D Tax Relief submissions now receive Notices of Enquiry, a stark rise from the previous 1%. This surge stems from HMRC’s retrospective review of the 2021 and 2022 claim periods, during which it identified an estimated £1 billion of the £7 billion paid out in tax credits as either fraudulent or erroneous.