WhisperClaims presents:

Pre-notification for R&D tax claims: A recap ahead of the March 2026 deadlines

Wednesday 11th March 2026 at 12:00 noon BST

Nearly three years after the introduction of the Claim Notification Form (CNF) requirement, pre-notification remains one of the more nuanced areas of R&D tax relief.

Most firms are familiar with the core rules – the known knowns. But in practice, it’s the unknown unknowns that create problems – where advisers may feel confident in their interpretation of the rules, only to discover too late that a CNF was required after all.

And if a CNF deadline is missed? The claim is lost – even if the R&D activity was fully eligible.

Through our Advice Line and day-to-day conversations with accountants and advisers, we continue to see uncertainty around:

When exemption criteria apply in practice
How particular scenarios should be interpreted
What level of detail HMRC expects
How best to manage deadlines across a client portfolio

And it’s easy to understand why – for many firms, R&D tax is just one part of a broader service offering. Claims may arise only occasionally, while the rules have evolved quickly and guidance has developed over time.

Even those working closely within R&D tax relief find that keeping up requires close attention!

The reality is that pre-notification is now a routine part of the claims process, so join us to stay up to date…

What we’ll cover:

Pre-notification fundamentals

When and why pre-notification is required
How the exemption criteria work in practice
Key deadlines and timing rules

Practical considerations

What HMRC expects from a CNF
How much detail is appropriate
When to submit

Managing risk

Common causes for missed claims
Steps to stay complaint & confident

Live Q&A

Floor is open for questions!
Share your experience

An accountant flying on a shield across the sky

Why attend?

Given the significant recent changes to the scheme, and the increasing complexity of legislation, there’s always more to learn and understand – even for those immersed in R&D tax relief day in and day out.

For accountants and advisers who split their time across various disciplines, this session will help you avoid potential pitfalls and give you the confidence to navigate the complexities with clarity.

Our aim is for you to leave with a deeper understanding of how to balance opportunity and risk and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.