Many accountancy firms are overlooking the full potential of offering R&D tax relief services to their clients, seeing it as a niche service rather than a broader opportunity.

However, firms that embrace this offering can enjoy multiple strategic and deeper value benefits that go beyond just the immediate revenue it generates.

In a competitive landscape, providing R&D tax claim services could be the edge your firm needs. Here’s why.

Stay ahead of the competition

With fewer firms offering R&D tax services, now is the perfect time to step in and make a difference.

While others may be stepping back due to a lack of expertise or concerns about changes to the scheme, you can carve out a unique space by providing this valuable service – we are already seeing several firms (including those within CharterGroup) taking advantage of this.

By doing so, you not only differentiate yourself from competitors but also position your firm as a go-to provider for innovative businesses looking to maximise their tax relief opportunities.

Increase client loyalty

In today’s crowded market, keeping clients ‘sticky’ is key to maintaining a strong business.

By offering a service that adds clear value, such as R&D tax relief, you become indispensable.

Clients will appreciate that you are not just handling the basics but actively seeking ways to save them money and help them grow.

This level of proactivity strengthens your relationships and makes it much harder for clients to consider moving to another firm.

Open the door to related services

Providing R&D tax claim services can act as a gateway to wider opportunities. When a client sees you as an expert in this field, they are more likely to turn to you for other tax-related and accountancy needs.

From tax advisory to business planning, you can position yourself as their trusted adviser, enabling cross-selling of additional services that they may not have considered before.

We are often told by our users that this is one of the key strengths of offering an R&D tax service, and the reason that they can win new enquiries from innovative businesses.

Establish yourself as a leader

Offering R&D tax relief services not only positions you as an expert in this complex area of tax but also allows you to stand out in your field.

This gives you the chance to become a thought leader on a subject many firms are hesitant to explore.

Your firm will be seen as one that goes beyond the ordinary, providing comprehensive advice on both general and specialised tax issues, further solidifying your reputation as a trusted, forward-thinking adviser.

Attract new referrals

By helping innovative businesses access funding through R&D tax relief, you can become known as the firm that supports growth and innovation.

Satisfied clients in these sectors are often part of wider networks and will likely recommend your firm to their peers, creating an organic source of new business.

What’s more, we are increasingly seeing many firms collaborating on R&D tax relief work using non-competitive agreements, where the firm with expertise and services supports those without.

In a world where word of mouth is invaluable, offering R&D tax services can be a powerful driver of growth.

It’s not just about revenue – It’s about relationships

While the immediate revenue from R&D tax claims is undoubtedly a boost, the real value lies in the broader relationships you can build.

By offering this service, you are positioning yourself as a firm that looks after your clients’ best interests, seeking out every opportunity for them to save money, grow their business, and achieve sustainable success.

This level of care translates into long-term loyalty, higher retention rates, and a steady flow of new referrals.

No expertise? No problem – Use WhisperClaims

If your firm is hesitant to offer R&D tax services due to a lack of in-house expertise, it’s time to explore technology solutions that make the process clear, accessible and effective.

WhisperClaims provides software that allows your firm to confidently handle R&D tax claims without necessarily needing to be a specialist in the field.

With learning tools and hands-on support, the WhisperClaims platform empowers your practice to prepare robust and compliant claims that deliver value to your clients.

Its framework of questions and responses, combined with collaborative features, means you can process claims more efficiently and with greater confidence that they meet HMRC’s strict criteria.

Alongside the intuitive software, customers benefit from easy access to expert support via the Advice Line.

The experts are available in real-time, by phone, email, or chat – so whether you need help with scheme specifics or eligibility queries – this convenient service not only resolves issues quickly, but also helps your team to learn and build their knowledge as they go.

Put simply, by leveraging WhisperClaims, you can:

• Prepare robust claims that meet all HMRC requirements
• Collaborate better with clients and ensure a smooth claims process
• Win more business by adding a valuable service to your offering
• Welcome more clients who are attracted to your expertise in R&D tax relief

And for your clients, this means:

• Access to vital funding that supports their innovative projects
• Sustainable growth as they reinvest the tax relief into their business
• A streamlined service with a firm they can trust to handle the complexities of R&D tax claims.

Empower your practice

By embracing both the opportunity and the technology to provide R&D tax services, your firm can stand out as a trusted, proactive adviser who truly cares about helping clients grow.

Now is the time to capitalise on the untapped potential of R&D tax relief, setting your firm apart in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Offering R&D tax relief is more than just adding another service – it’s about showing your clients that you are committed to their success, now and in the future.

With the right tools, support, and approach, your firm can lead the way. To book a demo with WhisperClaims click here.