R&D Delivery Code of Practice

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RCK believes that the R&D tax relief scheme makes a valuable contribution to the UK innovation environment. As such, it is our responsibility to engage with it positively and in the manner intended by the Government and encourage our clients to do the same. In particular, the scheme is designed to encourage investment and re-investment in R&D, so we are mindful of how the tax credits we facilitate are used within the businesses that generate them.

We aim to deliver R&D claims to the highest standard in the industry. This means that they are robust, transparent, and offer maximum value for money to our clients. We do this by adhering to the following principles in the preparation of our claims:

The foundation of our claims before all else is the identification of qualifying R&D projects and activities, as defined by the BEIS guidelines.

Our consultants have expert knowledge of the CIRD, BEIS guidance, and R&D legislation. They have the experience to seek specific expert guidance when required.

Our reports provide an accurate overview of client activities. They are presented in line with HMRC’s needs and review techniques, but do not modify client activities in an attempt to “fit” what HMRC is looking for.

Client cost bases are analysed based on the specific R&D activities that we have identified with the client. Costs are always built up around the R&D, we never start from the assumption that the client carries out only R&D.

We maximise claims for our client, but our priority is accuracy. We never compromise the reputation of our clients or the firm by artificially inflating claims. We only include costs that are evidenced by supporting facts.

We operate on a fully transparent basis. This means that clients are aware of everything we will send to HMRC, as well as our apportionment methodologies and assumptions. It also means that we do not conceal information from HMRC or rely on them having less than the relevant facts about any aspects of the claim methodology.

R&D tax relief falls within Corporation Tax Self-Assessment, which means that our clients take final responsibility for the submissions. As such we do not submit any materials to HMRC without the client’s approval and sign-off.

In the case where there is any disagreement or difference of interpretation with HMRC, we set out the full facts of the matter for consideration by our clients and support them in determining the most appropriate way to engage with HMRC to resolve the position.

All of our work is performed without bias or discrimination. Clients’ work is assessed on its own merit and presented as such in our work.

Further to the above, all of our consultants are aware of the content of the Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation (PCRT) and are guided by its ethical principles, regardless of their membership of tax professional bodies.