Producing or Reviewing Technical Narrative
When preparing an R&D tax relief claim, the technical narrative plays a vital role. It supports the numbers with a written explanation of the actual research and development work carried out. Without a strong, well-structured narrative, even a legitimate claim can face scrutiny or delays. That’s where we provide support — by producing or reviewing your narrative to reflect qualifying R&D activities and meet HMRC R&D guidance.
Why Technical Narratives Matter
The technical narrative outlines how your project met the core criteria defined in HMRC R&D guidance. These include:
- Advancement in science or technology: What new knowledge was sought?
- Scientific or technological uncertainty: What made the outcome uncertain?
- How the uncertainties were overcome: What steps were taken, and by whom?
Each of these must be explained in plain English, avoiding unnecessary jargon while still including sufficient technical substance. A vague, overly broad, or inconsistent narrative may lead HMRC to reject the claim or ask for further evidence.
We provide detailed input at every stage, ensuring your technical documentation supports your claim and reflects genuine qualifying R&D activities.
What Our for Service Covers
Our team can assist at any stage of the documentation process. This service is suitable for both first-time claimants and experienced businesses looking to improve their submission quality.
We offer:
- Producing Technical Narratives from Interviews
We liaise with your internal teams—engineers, developers, project managers, or scientists—to collect the necessary project information. Then we translate that input into a clear and relevant technical narrative tailored for submission. - Reviewing Existing Technical Reports
If you already have a narrative draft, we review it for clarity, structure, consistency, and alignment with R&D tax relief eligibility. Our checks ensure your report meets HMRC R&D guidance and is matched to the financial figures in the claim. - Consistency with the SME R&D Scheme or RDEC
We determine which scheme applies—SME R&D scheme or RDEC—and adjust the documentation accordingly. This includes reviewing contractual structures and subcontractor involvement if applicable. - Feedback and Improvements
We highlight unclear sections, suggest better ways to express technical challenges, and flag any content that may cause HMRC to question the validity of the claim. Our aim is to help you submit a well-reasoned and consistent report.
Why Choose This Service?
Producing an effective technical narrative requires a rare combination of technical insight and tax knowledge. In many businesses, internal teams focus on development and delivery, not tax documentation. Our involvement allows you to focus on running your projects while we handle the preparation or review of the supporting documents.
It’s particularly useful for companies that:
- Have been challenged by HMRC in the past
- Need to standardise reporting across multiple departments
- Are submitting high-value claims under RDEC
- Rely on external contractors or collaborative work
- Want to maintain consistency across multiple years of claims
Our Approach
We prioritise clarity, consistency, and alignment with tax requirements. We do not overstate claims or overcomplicate explanations. Instead, we focus on what matters: clear documentation of qualifying R&D activities, accurate representation of the process, and a well-supported narrative that reflects the actual work done.
We do not use templated language. Each narrative is tailored to the project and business involved. We also stay updated with changes in HMRC R&D guidance, so your submissions reflect current standards and expectations.
Supporting a Stronger Claim
The technical narrative is often the first thing HMRC reviewers look at when assessing the claim. A strong narrative can make the difference between a smooth process and an inquiry. Our role is to help you present your work in a way that satisfies the requirements without losing the technical substance.
If you’re unsure how to explain the scientific or technological uncertainty, need help aligning your report with SME R&D scheme or RDEC, or want a second opinion on what you’ve prepared, we’re here to assist.
