Two thirds of financial advisers (64%) expect a rise in Corporation Tax in the Budget on 26 November, according to new research.

The 100 advisers surveyed by investment provider Downing were almost unanimous (99%) in expecting taxes to rise in next month’s Budget but were split on which taxes might increase.

Employee National Insurance was the tax advisers thought was most likely to rise, with two thirds (69%) expecting an increase.

Three in five (57%) expected VAT to rise, while less than two out of five (38%) believed the Chancellor would increase Income Tax.

A fifth (18%) of advisers expected a rise in Inheritance tax, while just one in 10 (8%) expected to see stamp duty on property increase.

Mark Dunn, head of retail sales at Downing, said: “What we are seeing is a clear signal that advisers anticipate further tax changes in the Budget. The challenge now is not simply predicting these changes, but ensuring financial plans and portfolios are well-positioned to adapt.”

Separate research found that the majority of IFAs (91%) have seen a pre-Budget jump in demand for advice from clients, according to a poll by Rathbones.

Nearly a third (31%) of IFAs add that they have seen a rise of up to 50% in client enquiries ahead of the Budget on 26 November, according to the study.

More than two thirds of advisers (68%) say that clients wanting to make changes ahead of the Budget is their “biggest challenge.”

Wealth and asset manager Rathbones says its poll of 100 independent financial advisers (IFAs), found that that 91% of advisers have experienced an increase in client queries.

Client concerns were mainly focused on the potential reversal of the pension lifetime allowance abolition, possible changes to the pension tax-free lump sum and inheritance tax.

Among IFAs reporting an uptick in client queries ahead of the Budget, 31% have seen a leap of 26% to 50%, while 66% report an increase of 11% to 25%.

• PureProfile interviewed 100 financial advisers and wealth managers on behalf of Downing in August.