How WhisperClaims’ dynamic compliance engine keeps R&D tax claims on the right side of HMRC

During our demos and technical webinars, we often talk about WhisperClaims’ dynamic compliance engine, and how it ensures that every claim prepared using our software aligns with the correct rules and regulations of the R&D tax relief scheme.

This matters now more than ever.

Accountants and claimant companies are currently juggling nine or more R&D claim routes. Under increased HMRC scrutiny, making sure each claim follows the right rules for the specific claim period is no longer a nice to have, it’s fundamental, and core to our value.

But, what do we actually mean when we talk about a dynamic compliance engine, and how does it work in practice?

What is the dynamic compliance engine?

At its simplest, our compliance engine is a decision tree. It has been programmed with the rules of the R&D tax relief schemes, and based on each input, determines which route a claim should follow.

In reality, those rules are layered, conditional, and frequently updated. As a result, the engine is a highly complex, multi-factored decision tree, with more potential pathways than can realistically be managed through manual processes alone.

Unlike static checklists or templates, our engine continuously reassesses the claim as new information is added, adjusting the questions asked, the scheme applied, and the data required in real time.

How does the compliance engine work?

For every input entered into the app, our engine checks the relevant scheme rules and responds in one of three ways:

Accepting the input

Requesting further information

Stopping the claim preparation process where the combination of inputs makes the claim structurally ineligible

Through this process, the complex web of scheme requirements is navigated step by step, until the software has enough information to produce its outputs and support a compliant claim.

For example, if a claim start date is after 1 April 2024, the app automatically shifts to displaying only questions relevant to merged RDEC and ERIS claims. This logic continues throughout the entire claim preparation process.

If the company is loss-making, ERIS-specific questions are triggered. If certain thresholds or conditions are not met, the claim route adjusts again. The rules are applied dynamically as the claim develops, rather than relying on assumptions made at the outset.

Why a dynamic compliance engine matters

When rules are layered, transitional and retrospective, maintaining consistency through manual processes becomes increasingly difficult.

WhisperClaims’ dynamic compliance engine reflects this reality.

It wasn’t designed in isolation by software developers interpreting legislation from a distance, but by time-served R&D tax advisers, drawing directly on years of first-hand experience preparing claims, navigating grey areas, responding to HMRC enquiries, and dealing with the practical consequences of complex and changing rules.

That experience shaped the engine’s design, with a clear focus on transparency, clarity and guard rails, helping to manage risk while keeping claim preparation in the hands of those closest to the claiming company – their accountant.

The key benefits of WhisperClaims’ dynamic compliance engine include:

Consistency – The right information is gathered and the correct scheme applied every time.

Efficiency – Only relevant questions are asked and no unnecessary data is collected.

The power of no – Claims that are structurally ineligible are identified and screen out early on avoiding wasted time and risk.

Reduced error – A tailored consistent rule-driven process that significantly lowers the risk of omissions misclassification or boundary creep.

Behind the scenes, we invest significant time ensuring the software is updated ahead of legislative and guidance changes, so claims prepared using WhisperClaims always reflect the latest version of the rules.

How could you benefit from WhisperClaims’ dynamic compliance engine?

If you’re already a WhisperClaims user, you’re already benefiting from the certainty and structure provided by our compliance engine.

If you’re reviewing your R&D tax process, or questioning whether it’s still robust enough under the new regime, we can show you exactly how our dynamic compliance engine works in practice.

Book a demo