Qualifications and Experience

Look for firms where the advisors have relevant professional qualifications such as membership in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Institute of Taxation (CTA), Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT), or accountancy bodies. Advisors may be dual-qualified in tax and surveying or have trained with major firms, ensuring that the work is both technically and ethically sound. Experience in your particular sector may be helpful but it is not always necessary. It is more important that the specialist has a thorough understanding of building techniques enabling them to work across all sectors.

Reputation and Credibility

Choose a firm with a strong reputation and credibility, especially with HMRC. Firms with a history of compliance and professional standards are less likely to expose you to risks of HMRC investigations or penalties. 

Comprehensive and Transparent Process

The consultancy should offer a clear, detailed scope of work. This includes a thorough review of your capital expenditure, identification of qualifying assets, and preparation of HMRC-defensible claims. Transparent fee structures are essential—avoid firms that charge excessive contingency fees or have hidden charges. A reputable firm will usually offer a free initial consultation and a detailed proposal to ensure the service adds value to your business .

Post-Claim Support and Liason

A good capital allowances consultancy doesn’t just deliver a report and leave you to handle the rest. They should provide ongoing support, liaise effectively with your finance team, accountants, property lawyers, and HMRC, and be available to handle any enquiries or audits after the claim is submitted .

Use of Technology and a Tailored Approach

Look for firms that use advanced technology to analyse your claims accurately and efficiently. They should tailor their approach based on your specific needs and circumstances, whether dealing with new builds, refurbishments, or historic expenditure. 

Ethical Standards and Compliance

Given the capital allowances market is unregulated, it’s important to select a firm which adheres to high professional and ethical standards. This reduces the risk of aggressive or incorrect claims that might lead to penalties or reputational damage.