Resources for Accountancy Practices
Free guides, checklists, and tools to help you advise clients on R&D tax relief.
The Accountant's Guide to R&D Tax Relief
Comprehensive guide covering everything accountants need to know about R&D tax relief—from legal criteria to when to refer to specialists.
This comprehensive guide covers:
Additional Resources
R&D Qualification Checklist
Quick reference guide: Does your client's project qualify?
DownloadCNF Deadline Calculator Guide
Step-by-step guide to HMRC's 6-month notification requirement
Use our interactive CNF CalculatorDownloadClient R&D Referral Email Template
Pre-written introduction email you can send to clients
DownloadR&D Tax Relief: What Accountants Need to Know
45-minute recorded webinar with Q&A (CPD eligible)
Duration: 45 minutes
DownloadICAEW Professional Competence Standards for R&D Advice
Detailed analysis of ethical requirements
View ResourceAccountant Partnership Success Stories
How other practices benefit from referring R&D work
View ResourceCommon Questions from Accountancy Practices
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often from accountant partners.
Q: My client asked if their software development qualifies for R&D relief. How do I answer?
A: Software can qualify if it involves technological advancement—creating something not readily available or solving technical problems. Contact us for a free assessment.
Q: What documentation do clients need for an R&D claim?
A: Project narratives, timesheets, cost breakdowns, and technical evidence of uncertainty. We provide a documentation checklist and handle gathering.
Q: How long does the R&D claim process take?
A: Typically 2-4 weeks from engagement to HMRC submission. HMRC usually processes within 4-8 weeks.
Q: Can my client claim R&D relief retrospectively?
A: Yes, up to 2 years from the end of the accounting period. First-time claimants must submit a CNF within 6 months.
Q: What happens if HMRC opens an enquiry into a client's R&D claim?
A: We handle all enquiry defence for referred clients at no additional cost. See our Enquiry Defence service.
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