Authors
London, 2nd October 2025: Ayming today reports an R&D tax claim enquiry rate of just 3.6% in 2024 – significantly outperforming HMRC’s published enquiry rate of 20% of all R&D tax claims.
Additionally, in 2024, Ayming successfully closed more enquiries than were initiated on its own claims. This outcome was supported by the onboarding of new clients who engaged Ayming to manage existing HMRC enquiries relating to claims previously submitted by other R&D tax providers. This strong performance is based on hundreds of R&D tax claims submitted across both SME and RDEC schemes. It reinforces Ayming’s longstanding reputation for quality, compliance, and robust defence of its clients’ claims.
Proactive defence built into every R&D engagement
These results stem from a unique approach to claim preparation and defence – Ayming’s engagement model includes contractual enquiry defence as part of its fee, supported by a dedicated team of R&D enquiry specialists. This proactive approach ensures that clients are not left exposed if an enquiry is raised, offering both tax technical support and peace of mind. The figures come as HMRC continues its clampdown on fraudulent or erroneous R&D tax relief claims, with legitimate businesses often getting caught in the crossfire.
Smith continues, “In the face of strong HMRC opposition on R&D contracted to SMEs, particularly in the construction sector, we robustly defended our clients’ position to maintain SME claims rather than switch to RDEC, which many other businesses opted to do. Now, HMRC has conceded but won’t allow those who did switch to change back to SME. Clearly some businesses are out of pocket, but not Ayming clients.”
Njy Rios, Partner, R&D tax credits at Ayming UK, adds,
Ayming is encouraging businesses currently facing an enquiry, or concerned about their exposure to risk, to get in touch for support or a second opinion on their existing claims.
ENDS
total benefit received by our clients from HMRC
UK client retention rate
HMRC enquiry rate, vs an industry average of 20%
About Ayming
As a professional services company, Ayming partners with businesses and institutions around the world to unlock lasting value, year after year. Translating complex policy into opportunities, while managing the transformation that comes with growth.
Our team is over 1,300 experts in Innovation, HR, and Taxes. We have specialised knowledge and decades of experience in international and local policy across 14 countries. Our premium services create new possibilities for investment. And our approach goes beyond consulting, collaborating in the field with clients of all sizes and sectors. So we can deliver tangible results driven by trust – now and for years to come.
For all media enquiries:
Annabel Riviero
Annabel.Rivero@aspectusgroup.com
+44 7500 321 480
