R&D Enquiry Support

Expert support when HMRC opens an R&D tax enquiry

Receiving an HMRC R&D enquiry can feel daunting. With increased scrutiny of R&D tax relief claims, many businesses worry that an enquiry means they have done something wrong.

In reality, that's not always the case.

Many enquiries are simply requests for further information or clarification. With the right specialist support, you can confidently navigate the process while protecting your legitimate claim.

At Lumina, our specialist R&D team combines former HMRC expertise with technical, financial and scientific knowledge to help businesses manage enquiries efficiently and professionally. As part of our service, enquiry support is included for every Lumina R&D client because we only submit claims we are prepared to defend.

Why choose Lumina for R&D Enquiry Support?

Our team understands R&D enquiries from both sides.

Head of R&D Suzanne Clements previously spent many years at HMRC as a Senior Corporate Tax Inspector specialising in R&D Tax Relief and Patent Box. Combined with our multidisciplinary team of tax specialists, accountants and experienced technologists, we provide practical, commercially focused support throughout every stage of an enquiry.

Unlike many advisers, we don't simply prepare claims. We stand behind them.

How we support your enquiry

Every HMRC enquiry is different, but our structured approach typically includes:

Reviewing your claim

We carefully assess your submitted R&D claim, supporting documentation and HMRC correspondence to understand exactly what is being queried.

Preparing technical responses

We work with your technical and finance teams to prepare clear, evidence-based responses that address HMRC's questions.

Managing communication

We liaise directly with HMRC where appropriate, helping reduce the burden on your business while ensuring responses remain accurate and timely.

Representing your business

Where meetings or further discussions are required, we'll guide you throughout the process and help present your position clearly.

Supporting until closure

Our team remains involved until HMRC’s closure notice, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Already under enquiry?

We can help, even if we didn't prepare the original claim.

Many businesses come to us after their original adviser is unable or unwilling to support them through HMRC's enquiry process.

We begin by carrying out a comprehensive review of:

Your original R&D claim
Technical reports
Financial calculations
Supporting evidence
HMRC correspondence

From there, we'll identify the strengths of your claim, address any areas requiring additional evidence and develop the strongest possible response.

Looking for a new R&D adviser?

If you're unhappy with your current adviser or they've been unable to support your enquiry, our specialist team can help.

Read more about Switching R&D Advisors →

Our approach is built on quality

Every Lumina R&D claim undergoes a rigorous quality assurance and compliance review before submission.

Our philosophy is simple:

We don't submit claims we're not prepared to defend.

That means our clients benefit from:

Thorough technical reviews
Robust supporting evidence
Clear documentation
Compliance-focused processes
Ongoing support if HMRC asks questions

Enquiry support isn't an optional extra. It's part of the service we provide.

Proven experience defending R&D claims

Our team has extensive experience supporting businesses through HMRC enquiries while staying at the forefront of changing legislation, HMRC guidance and tribunal decisions.

Our work has also been recognised externally.

The Lumina specialist team was named Best Specialist Team in a Law or Accounting Firm at the Tolley's Tax Awards 2026, recognising our expertise in defending innovation and supporting businesses through one of the most challenging periods for R&D tax relief.