Walmer Group

Service · HMRC Enquiry Defence

Senior-led defence when HMRC challenges your R&D claim

When HMRC raises questions about an R&D tax claim, we provide senior-led enquiry defence and dispute resolution. Our compliance-first approach protects your position, manages risk and addresses complex technical and financial challenges.

I’m facing an ongoing HMRC enquiryI’ve received an enquiry notice
£2.5m+
of R&D claims successfully defended
27
enquiries resolved
4–6wks
average response cycle

A formal review that needs the right response

An HMRC R&D enquiry, also called a compliance check, is a formal review of an R&D tax claim. HMRC may examine the technical eligibility of projects, the financial methodology applied, or the evidence used to support the claim.

Enquiries are becoming more common as HMRC increases scrutiny, particularly following legislative changes and the introduction of the merged scheme.

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Common enquiry triggers

  • High claim values
  • Repeat or amended claims
  • Unclear technical narratives
  • Cost categories HMRC considers higher risk
  • Sector-specific scrutiny

A structured, enquiry-ready defence process

We manage HMRC enquiries end to end, handling communications, strengthening positions and reducing disruption to your internal teams.

Stage I

Enquiry assessment and risk review

We review HMRC correspondence, your original submission and supporting documentation to assess risk, scope and the likely areas of challenge.

Stage II

Technical and financial revalidation

Senior consultants revisit qualifying activity, technological uncertainty and cost treatment, strengthening narratives and addressing gaps.

Stage III

HMRC engagement and response

We draft responses and manage correspondence with HMRC, clear and accurate and aligned with HMRC expectations.

Stage IV

Resolution and future-proofing

Once resolved, we set out the outcome and practical recommendations to strengthen future claims and internal R&D capture.

Straightforward, specialist support when risk matters most

HMRC enquiries are complex, time-sensitive and often high-risk. Our fees reflect the senior expertise, urgency and rigour required to protect your position and resolve matters professionally.

Unlike R&D claim preparation, enquiry defence is not a success-fee service. The objective is to manage risk, respond accurately and guide your business through a formal HMRC process, not to maximise a financial outcome.

15%

of the R&D claim value under enquiry

  • 50% payable upfront upon engagement
  • 50% on completion of the enquiry response
  • Agreed scope, commitment and delivery
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Included as standard

For clients who engage Walmer to prepare their R&D Tax Relief claim, HMRC enquiry defence is included in the service. We stand behind the claims we prepare.

Who we do this for

The businesses we defend enquiries for, and the team who deliver the work.

Who we support

Built for businesses like yours

  • Businesses facing ongoing HMRC R&D enquiries
  • Companies with high-value or complex claims
  • Organisations concerned about future enquiry risk
  • Groups preparing for investment, audit, or exit
  • Companies that have worked with non-compliant advisers previously
  • Other R&D tax specialists & accountancy firms requiring additional support

Meet your team

Senior specialists, start to finish

Hannad HusseinHannad HusseinCo-Founder & Technical Director
Graham SteedGraham SteedEx-HMRC Inspector & Non-Executive Director
Iain RickerbyIain RickerbyEx-HMRC Inspector & Advisory Board
Salma JelloulSalma JelloulHead of Consultancy
Chaimaa LabbarChaimaa LabbarLead Financial Consultant
Cameron RouseCameron RouseSenior Technical Consultant

Senior consultants with technical and HMRC expertise, and an ex-HMRC R&D inspector on our advisory board. The people you meet are the people who do the work.

Meet The Team

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Frequently asked questions

Find clear answers to common questions about our funding services, processes, eligibility, pricing, and what to expect when working with Walmer Group.

A formal review of an R&D tax relief claim. HMRC may examine the technical eligibility of projects, the treatment of costs, or the evidence used to support the claim. Enquiries are increasingly common, driven by heightened scrutiny, legislative changes and HMRC's focus on compliance.

Enquiries may be triggered by high claim values, repeat or amended claims, unclear technical narratives, cost categories HMRC considers higher risk, or sector-specific scrutiny. An enquiry does not automatically mean a claim is incorrect, but it does require a structured, well-evidenced response.

Yes. Where appropriate, we act as the primary point of contact with HMRC, managing correspondence and responses while keeping you fully informed at every stage. This allows your internal teams to remain focused on day-to-day operations.

This is common. We regularly support businesses where the original claim was prepared by a third party. We conduct an independent technical and financial review, identify weaknesses or gaps, and rebuild the supporting evidence where required to strengthen your position.

Timelines vary depending on complexity and HMRC workload. We typically work to a six-week response cycle, depending on the scope of information requested. Our structured approach aims to respond promptly and accurately, avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth.

Yes. Future-proofing is a key part of our service. Following resolution, we provide practical recommendations to improve internal R&D capture, strengthen technical narratives, align cost treatment with HMRC expectations, and reduce risk in future claims.

Book a confidential discussion. We'll understand the scope of HMRC's enquiry, your original claim, timelines, and risk exposure, then outline a clear defence strategy and next steps.