How R&D Tax Specialists Charge
R&D tax specialists usually charge a percentage of the relief they secure, a fixed fee, or a mix of both. Our matching service is free to businesses. Whichever model a firm uses, insist on written terms that state the fee basis, any minimum, what is included and what happens if HMRC opens an enquiry.
What fee models are common?
| Model | How it works | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage | A share of the relief obtained, paid when HMRC pays or accepts the claim | First claims and uncertain outcomes | The figure it is calculated on, minimum fees, and fees on later adjustments |
| Fixed fee | A set price agreed in advance | Predictable, repeat claims | What is excluded, and whether you pay if the claim is small |
| Hybrid | A smaller fixed fee plus a lower percentage | Larger claims | The combined cost at different claim sizes |
| Time based | Hourly or daily rates | Enquiries and reviews | An estimate and a cap |
How should you compare quotes?
Compare quotes on the total cost for the same expected claim and the same scope. Work out the fee at a low, expected and high claim value, and check whether each quote includes the technical report, the AIF, liaison with your accountant and support if HMRC asks questions. The cheapest quote is not always the best value if enquiry support is extra.
Which contract terms matter most?
- The fee basis, written as a formula you can check
- Any minimum fee
- Whether enquiry support is included, and for how long
- Whether the fee is refunded or reduced if HMRC reduces the claim
- How long the contract lasts and how to end it
- Who receives the HMRC payment; we recommend it goes to your company
What does our service cost?
Our matching service is free for businesses. Specialist firms on our panel pay us a fee when we introduce a business to them. That fee does not change the price a firm quotes you, and you are never obliged to appoint anyone we introduce.
Frequently asked questions
Do you charge businesses anything?
No. Our matching service is free for businesses. Specialist firms on our panel pay us a fee when we introduce a business to them. That fee does not change the price a firm quotes you, and you are never obliged to appoint anyone we introduce.
Are R&D adviser fees tax deductible?
Fees are normally a business expense for the company, but they are not qualifying R&D expenditure. Your accountant can confirm the treatment.
When is the fee usually paid?
Percentage fees are usually invoiced when HMRC pays or accepts the claim. Fixed fees may be staged. Check the engagement letter.
Get matched with a vetted R&D tax specialist
Tell us what you do and roughly what you spend on development. We check the basics, then introduce you to a specialist from our panel whose sector experience fits your work.
- Free to use, with no obligation to appoint anyone
- Introductions only to firms that meet our panel criteria
- Fee terms in writing from the firm before you sign anything
- We flag claim deadlines we can see from your answers
Our matching service is free for businesses. Specialist firms on our panel pay us a fee when we introduce a business to them. That fee does not change the price a firm quotes you, and you are never obliged to appoint anyone we introduce.