R&D Tax Claim

[antropy]

I've been doing a R&D tax claim for several years with a company called Leyton - and they're generally very good.

They charge a percentage of the tax benefit they get for you, and for us they're charging 24% which works out at around ~£5000.

As I say, I'm happy with the service they provide but I can't help thinking that fee might be a bit high for what they do.

Does anyone else do an R&D tax claim and how much do they pay? Are there any other accountants they would recommend?

Thanks!
Paul

 

[Ozzy]

Does anyone else do an R&D tax claim and how much do they pay?

After using a similar firm for a few years I felt I was overpaying; because my colleagues and I were doing all the report writing and calculations, and they were just wrapping it up in a pretty presentation with pictures and bright colours and maybe adding a few long words here and there.

For the past few years I've been doing our R&D claims personally myself. No pretty pictures or long words, but included detailed reports that explained the technical challenges overcome and the work arounds, including jobs created and industry benefits, and we've used fair and reasonable calculations. Not pushing any boundaries or 'try it on' amounts.

Our usual firm accountants then took our reR&D claim to add to the HMRC returns at year end as we file our usual accounts, so no amending of returns, job done and takes no more time than it did using a 'specialist R&D claim' company as we were already doing the work anyway.

 

[Ivel]

I've been doing a R&D tax claim for several years with a company called Leyton - and they're generally very good.

They charge a percentage of the tax benefit they get for you, and for us they're charging 24% which works out at around ~£5000.

As I say, I'm happy with the service they provide but I can't help thinking that fee might be a bit high for what they do.

Does anyone else do an R&D tax claim and how much do they pay? Are there any other accountants they would recommend?

Thanks!
Paul

I used to do a lot of these and still do a few per year. I never charged a percentage, as I think it is not
fair. I spend time organising the financials and preparing the calculations and reports. The amount of time I spend does not depend on your costs and the amount you are claiming. I charge per hour, and it comes to anywhere between £500 and £3500 + VAT total.
What I also find is sometimes companies that do just R&D make larger claims including expenses that they should not. They just get their commission and later if HMRC checks it, they don't care. I had to deal with this 2 years ago, when I took on a new client who had to pay about £60k back to HMRC.

 

[antropy]

They just get their commission and later if HMRC checks it, they don't care. I had to deal with this 2 years ago, when I took on a new client who had to pay about £60k back to HMRC.

I believe Leyton insures against that.

Paul.

 

[Grantica R&D]

I've been doing a R&D tax claim for several years with a company called Leyton - and they're generally very good.

They charge a percentage of the tax benefit they get for you, and for us they're charging 24% which works out at around ~£5000.

As I say, I'm happy with the service they provide but I can't help thinking that fee might be a bit high for what they do.

Does anyone else do an R&D tax claim and how much do they pay? Are there any other accountants they would recommend?

Thanks!
Paul

Grantica are similar to Leyton (nowhere near as huge mind) but we offer free enquiry defence whereas the big boys will charge for it. We also certify any work we do on behalf of clients with an ex-HMRC inspector. Our fee is 15% but only invoiced once you've received the benefit.

 

[antropy]

Grantica are similar to Leyton (nowhere near as huge mind) but we offer free enquiry defence whereas the big boys will charge for it. We also certify any work we do on behalf of clients with an ex-HMRC inspector. Our fee is 15% but only invoiced once you've received the benefit.

If you could email me: [email protected] that would be good.

Thanks!
Paul

 

[Grantica R&D]

I used to do a lot of these and still do a few per year. I never charged a percentage, as I think it is not
fair. I spend time organising the financials and preparing the calculations and reports. The amount of time I spend does not depend on your costs and the amount you are claiming. I charge per hour, and it comes to anywhere between £500 and £3500 + VAT total.
What I also find is sometimes companies that do just R&D make larger claims including expenses that they should not. They just get their commission and later if HMRC checks it, they don't care. I had to deal with this 2 years ago, when I took on a new client who had to pay about £60k back to HMRC.

Totally agree with this Ivel, there's a lot of cowboys that mysteriously disappear if an enquiry is brought about. We only charge a % because we put the claim together ourselves rather than the client having to do it - technical writers employed, finance team that collate and work out the numbers - minimal effort from the client, and hopefully decent benefit back to them which is how it should be in my opinion