Expertise Forged in Tax, Focused on Your R&D Success
Meet Karen
TicTax Solutions was founded by me, Karen, a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) with a passion for clarity, compliance, and helping businesses access the R&D tax relief they rightfully deserve. In a market sometimes clouded by misinformation, I offer a beacon of trusted expertise.
My Journey
My path into R&D tax relief wasn't direct, but it built a foundation perfectly suited for navigating its complexities. Starting in NHS finance (qualifying ACCA in 1996), I gained early experience in VAT, working alongside advisors like Ernst & Young. This led to a role at E&Y, specializing in VAT for the NHS – understanding tax from both sides of the fence.
My public sector experience broadened at the Audit Commission as National Tax Manager, overseeing tax compliance checks across NHS, local government, and education. A return to practice at Grant Thornton further honed my tax skills before a move into industry as a Financial Controller provided valuable commercial perspective.
Around 2014, I recognised the vital role R&D tax relief could play for innovative businesses, but also the potential pitfalls. Leveraging my extensive tax and accounting background, I dedicated myself to this niche. Since then, operating as TicTax Solutions (formally named in 2020), I've focused solely on helping SMEs prepare robust, compliant R&D claims, often partnering with their existing accountants.
My Ethos: Doing Things Right
Witnessing the rise of "bad actors" and the subsequent, necessary crackdown by HMRC solidified my core belief: integrity and accuracy are paramount. My approach is built on:
- Expertise: Applying deep knowledge of the rules, regardless of your industry.
- Clarity: Translating complex tax legislation into understandable actions for your business.
- Partnership: Working with you to build a robust claim you understand and can stand behind.
- Compliance: Ensuring claims meet HMRC requirements and can withstand scrutiny.
- Transparency: Offering clear, upfront pricing – no hidden costs or risky contingent fees.
I believe in empowering clients. When we work together, you won't just get a claim filed; you'll understand the process better, strengthening your ability to identify and capture R&D effectively in the future.
Qualifications & Credentials
- Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA)
- Certificate in R&D Tax Relief (R&D Community)
- 10+ Years Specialised R&D Tax Relief Experience (Since 2014)
- Registered Corporation Tax Agent with HMRC
- Supervised by HMRC for Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
- Holder of an Agent Services Account (ASA) - Essential for submitting mandatory R&D Additional Information Forms (AIFs)