A UK government incentive for genuine innovation
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What is R&D tax relief?
A UK government incentive for companies investing in innovation. Eligible businesses may recover a portion of R&D expenditure as a cash credit or a tax reduction.
What is an R&D claim?
The formal process of identifying qualifying projects, preparing technical and financial evidence, and submitting a compliant report to HMRC.
Who can claim?
UK companies across most sectors, where they are resolving technological uncertainty through innovation.
A compliant, enquiry-ready claim in four stages
Built for businesses where compliance, governance and reputation matter. We minimise the burden on your team while building documentation that withstands scrutiny.
Discovery and eligibility
A focused consultation to assess eligibility, project scope and risk profile. AML and due diligence are completed at this stage.
Technical review
Senior consultants run structured interviews with your technical team to identify qualifying activities and articulate the technological advance and uncertainty.
Financial analysis and narrative
We prepare the full claim in-house, combining cost analysis with an HMRC-aligned technical narrative. You review and approve before submission.
Submission and enquiry readiness
We submit the claim and retain supporting evidence, structured so you can respond promptly should HMRC raise queries.
HMRC enquiry defence available if required
Included as standard for Walmer-prepared claims.
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R&D Calculator
Eligibility & benefit estimate
Sector
Company stage
Annual expenditure (£)
R&D effort
40%
Estimated benefit
£18,000
£100,000
Software & IT
Eligibility signals
2/6
An estimate only. We confirm the qualifying figure with you before anything is submitted.
Transparent, success-based fees
Real-world case study
A recent R&D tax relief engagement, who we do this work for, and the team who deliver it.
Frequently asked questions
HMRC looks for projects that seek an advance in science or technology by resolving technological uncertainty, across software, engineering, manufacturing, life sciences, construction and financial services, where the work goes beyond readily available knowledge or standard practice. Qualifying activity is assessed against DSIT guidelines, not commercial success.
HMRC reviews both the technical narrative and the financial methodology. It checks whether technological uncertainties are clearly articulated, whether costs are eligible, and whether the claim is supported by appropriate evidence. Our compliance-first approach is structured to withstand enquiry.
Poorly prepared claims increase the risk of HMRC compliance checks, delayed repayments, reduced or rejected claims, penalties, and increased scrutiny of future claims. Robust preparation is essential under the current scrutiny environment.
We provide dedicated R&D enquiry defence and dispute resolution support, managing communications, preparing technical and financial responses, and protecting your position. Our team includes guidance from an ex-HMRC R&D inspector.
Yes. Many of our clients are repeat claimants. We often review historic claims to identify potential risk, improve technical alignment, and strengthen future submissions. This matters more as legislation and HMRC focus areas evolve.
Our average end-to-end turnaround is approximately six weeks from engagement to submission. Repayment timelines then depend on HMRC processing. Our structured process is designed to minimise disruption to your internal teams.