Start here
Three reading lists, in order, for the three reasons people come to this site: choosing an adviser, reviewing a proposal, or being unhappy with the adviser you have. Each step says why it is there.
Pick the path that fits
Each list below is in the order to read it, and each step says in one line why it is there. You do not need to read every page. The first two or three steps of a path give you the questions; the rest give you the detail when you need it. Every page is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice, and no page recommends an adviser.
I’m choosing an adviser
What to ask, and what a fair proposal looks like.
- Questions to askThe twenty questions, with what a good answer sounds like. Start here so every adviser gets the same ones.
- Fee typesHow each fee model works on the same illustrative claim, and who carries the risk under each.
- Green flagsThe signs of a proposal you can check, so you know what good looks like before you compare.
- Red flagsThe practices that mean ask more questions, and when each one is not a problem.
- How to choose an R&D tax adviserThe whole process in order, from the first call to the signed letter.
- Request for proposal templateA one page brief to send to every candidate, so the proposals come back on the same basis.
I’m reviewing a proposal
Check the fee, the cap and who carries the risk.
- Fee comparison calculatorPut the proposed fee on your own claim figure and see what each model would cost.
- Fee modelsEvery model side by side on the same claim, with the crossover points in words.
- ContractsThe ten clauses that decide what you pay and what you get, with a sample of each.
- Engagement letter checklistA printable list to read the letter against, clause by clause.
- Proposal scorecardA spreadsheet for your own criteria, weights and figures, if you have more than one proposal.
- Adviser health checkTen questions about an adviser you already have, ending with the points to raise.
I’m unhappy with my adviser
Your options, and the questions to raise first.
- When things go wrongThe problems in order, from a reduced claim to a complaint, and what to settle first.
- Fee disputesWhat to do about a disputed invoice without putting the claim or the records at risk.
- Switching advisersHow to leave an engagement: the notice date, the timing and your records.
- ScriptsWording you can send: asking how the fee is worked out, asking for records, giving notice.
- Complaints about an adviserWhere a complaint goes, in what order, and what it can and cannot do.
- By countryThe routes, time limits and complaint bodies for your country.
KnowYourFees.org is published by Swanson Reed, an R&D tax advisory firm that competes with other advisers. This site does not recommend any adviser, including Swanson Reed.
© 2026 Swanson Reed. You may use the templates and checklists for your own business. Official material is used under the terms set by its publisher.