Delays with R&D claims being processed

HMRC's R&D backlog

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I submitted an R&D claim for one of my clients on 22nd December which has yet to be processed by HMRC. The claim is quite large and has therefore been allocated to the large and complex claims inspector to look at. I have called them a number of times and each time I get the same response "we are working through our backlog and there were a lot of claims submitted towards the end of December which are taking time to work through". I was told that they had just starte dlooking at claims submitted on 22nd December on 21 May and could take them a number of weeks to work throughall the claims submitted on that day.

I appreciate that HMRC is under resourced at the moment but a 6 month backlog is simply not sustainable and well off their target of a 30 day turnaround. Is anyone else facing similar issues with claims they have submitted?

Replies (5)

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By SteveHa
29th May 2018 09:51

Is it a claim that you've submitted, or an advance assurance request? I usually find claims (included on the CT600), whilst maybe a little longer than the 30 days, tend not to leave to excessive waits, whilst advance assurance can take a while, particularly if you get embroiled in negotiating with HMRC regarding what can and can't be included in any particular circumstances. (Though I have to say, I've found them quite helpful in this regard).

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By Angus Wood
29th May 2018 10:08

It is an actual claim (an RDEC claim to be precise) rather than advance assurance.

I agree though, HMRC are a little more helpful when it comes to advance assurance. It helps that you actually get to speak with the inspector!

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By SteveHa
29th May 2018 10:21

This may be why I've had few problems. All the claims I've made have been SME. No RDEC as yet.

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By Grayson Moore
29th May 2018 11:13

I spoke to HMRC regarding a clients claim and was informed by the officer that whilst there is a backlog in respect of RDEC claims they aiming to stick to the published turnaround timescales for SME claims and these are being prioritised.

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By Dib
29th May 2018 13:32

And there is only one (seemingly under resourced) unit at HMRC dealing with RDECs whereas there are several dealing with SME claims

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