A look ahead to the WhisperClaims R&D Confidence Report & Whitepaper

We are excited to share a sneak peek into our upcoming Whitepaper titled “R&D Tax Relief – 2025 Confidence Monitor.”

This comprehensive report provides a detailed analysis based on a survey conducted among 65 accountants and R&D advisers, uncovering crucial insights into the confidence levels surrounding R&D tax claims within the industry.

Key insights from the survey

Our findings reveal some variation in confidence levels between accountants and advisers when it comes to making claims.

On a scale of one to five, the average confidence score across all respondents was 3.07, indicating a middling level of confidence overall.

Advisers generally reported slightly higher confidence than accountants, though accountants’ confidence levels were more consistent.

Despite this difference, there was little variation in how confident each cohort perceived their clients to be.

Both accountants and advisers believed their clients had a similar level of confidence in making claims, suggesting that the difference lies not in how advisers and accountants are perceived by their clients, but rather in their own self-assessment.

This is an interesting point to consider. If accountants’ clients appear just as confident as adviser clients, accountants may not need to feel as uncertain as they do.

The findings indicate that accountants should have greater confidence in their ability, as their clients do not perceive them to be any less assured than advisers.

It is important to note that these findings are based on the perceptions of accountants and advisers, and no end users (clients of those surveyed) were directly asked for their views.

The insights reflect how professionals perceive their clients’ confidence rather than direct client feedback.

Opportunities for accountants and advisers

The expected volume of R&D tax claims over the next six to 12 months varies considerably, with specialist R&D tax advisers handling a significantly higher number of claims than general accountancy firms.

This is hardly surprising. While dedicated R&D advisers focus the majority of their time on preparing claims, accountants offer a broader range of services, with R&D tax advice forming just one part of their wider client support.

This highlights potential growth opportunities for accountancy firms that can develop expertise in R&D tax relief and support clients with making claims.

Additionally, our report will explore the sentiments expressed by survey participants, highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the R&D tax claim sector.

We are also pleased to announce that our pledge to donate £2 to Shelter for every response we received to the Confidence Monitor Survey has resulted in an overall donation of £130. Shelter work tirelessly to provide housing and homelessness support to thousands of people across the UK, offering vital advice, legal support, and practical assistance to those in need.

We are proud to support their mission and grateful to everyone who participated in the Confidence Monitor Survey, helping us contribute to such an important cause.

Stay tuned for the full release of the “R&D Tax Relief – 2025 Confidence Monitor” where we will explore these topics in depth, providing key conclusions and recommendations to enhance confidence and success in R&D tax claim submissions.

If you’re looking to refine your approach to R&D tax claims, we’d love to help. Get in touch to book a demo and see how our software and Advice Line can support you.

Book a Demo