R&D tax sector “cautiously optimistic” according to WhisperClaims 2025 Confidence Monitor

We have launched our 2025 R&D Confidence Monitor, revealing that while confidence is returning to the sector, significant disparities remain across the profession.

Developed in partnership with The R&D Community, the inaugural Confidence Monitor surveyed 65 accountancy firms and specialist R&D consultancies to explore their current confidence levels, attitudes towards HMRC scrutiny, and perceptions of their clients’ readiness to pursue claims.

The overall average confidence score was 3.8 out of 5, suggesting cautious optimism – but the detail tells a more complex story.

Accountants and advisers are on diverging paths

The data highlights a notable confidence gap between generalist accountancy firms and dedicated R&D advisers.

While advisers reported an average confidence score of 4.1, accountants rated their confidence slightly lower at just 3.31.

The report suggests that confidence is not just a soft metric – it has real-world implications for how firms operate.

Nearly 43 per cent of high-confidence consultancy firms expect to submit more than 20 claims in the coming year, compared to lower projections among less confident accountants.

These results are to be expected, as consultancy firms are proportionally more likely to be preparing more claims than accountancy firms.

Sector-wide concerns: Scrutiny, complexity and uncertainty

Key data from the report found:

• Clients seem less confident about claims than firms: Both accountancy and consultancy firms rate client confidence at an average of 3.2 out of 5, which shows that while still largely positive about the scheme, clients have lost some confidence in their willingness to want to claim.
• Unclear guidance remains a major barrier: Accountants and advisers alike cite ambiguous eligibility criteria and the changing legislative landscape in recent years as a key challenge.
• HMRC scrutiny is increasing: Separate to the report, official data shows that compliance checks rose from 10 per cent to 17 per cent between 2022/23 and 2023/24, so it shouldn’t be surprising that many firms expressed concerns about the rise in investigations in their comments within the report.

Jen Badger, Managing Director, said: “This report confirms what we hear every day from accountants and advisers – the appetite is there, but so are the risks. Confidence is being tested by complexity, compliance demands and inconsistent guidance. But it’s also clear that with the right support and technology, firms can rebuild their confidence and protect their R&D service lines.”

What next for the sector?

The Confidence Monitor doesn’t just expose challenges, it also offers a clear path forward. The findings underscore the value of investing in:

• Specialist training to build technical expertise
• Innovative tools that reduce admin and enhance compliance
• Peer networks to share insight and maintain morale.

Download the full report to unlock every insight

The 2025 R&D Confidence Monitor is packed with exclusive data, expert commentary, and practical strategies for strengthening compliance to align with HMRC expectations, boosting internal confidence, and supporting clients with their R&D tax claims.

Download the full report now to explore:

• What’s driving the confidence gap between accountants and advisers
• How to turn compliance pressure into opportunity
• Guidance on scaling claim volumes responsibly and compliantly

Click here to access the full report and equip your team with the tools and insights to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

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