How are R&D tax consultants usually paid?

Fee models vary. Many consultants charge a percentage of the benefit, others a fixed fee or an hourly rate, and some combine a base fee with a success component. Compare the total cost across the life of the claim, what is included if AusIndustry or the ATO reviews it, and who prepares the evidence.

Can a company prepare its own R&D claim?

Yes. The R&D Tax Incentive is self-assessed and a company can register its own activities. The risk sits in applying the Division 355 tests correctly, keeping contemporaneous evidence and apportioning expenditure, so many companies use an adviser or software with expert review for at least the first claim.

Who submits the registration and the tax schedule?

With Rand, the company declares and submits its own AusIndustry registration, prepared from a claim pack its director has approved. The R&D tax incentive schedule is part of the company tax return, so the company's own accountant or tax agent prepares and lodges it with the ATO. Rand gives the accountant a handoff letter with the registered figures.

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Topic hub: Comparisons

Choosing how to run your R&D Tax Incentive claim

Most Australian companies prepare an R&D Tax Incentive claim in one of three ways: a traditional R&D consultant, software with expert review, or doing it themselves. The right choice depends on fees, how much evidence you already capture, and who carries the review risk. Compare total cost and the defensibility of the final registration, not headline price.

Last updated 27 September 2026

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Before you choose

R&D Tax Incentive Eligibility: The Complete Test
Who qualifies for the R&D Tax Incentive: company eligibility, the $20,000 minimum spend, the s 355-25 core activity test, exclusions and offset rates.
How to Calculate Your R&D Tax Incentive Rebate in Australia
A step-by-step method for calculating your Australian R&D tax offset: notional deductions, turnover test, offset rates, intensity premium and worked examples.

Tools and references

R&D Tax Incentive calculatorEstimate the refundable or non-refundable offset on your R&D spend.3-minute eligibility checkA quick read on whether your work looks like R&D, no signup needed.Division 355 glossaryPlain-English definitions of every term of art in the program.

Frequently asked questions

How are R&D tax consultants usually paid?: Fee models vary. Many consultants charge a percentage of the benefit, others a fixed fee or an hourly rate, and some combine a base fee with a success component. Compare the total cost across the life of the claim, what is included if AusIndustry or the ATO reviews it, and who prepares the evidence.
Can a company prepare its own R&D claim?: Yes. The R&D Tax Incentive is self-assessed and a company can register its own activities. The risk sits in applying the Division 355 tests correctly, keeping contemporaneous evidence and apportioning expenditure, so many companies use an adviser or software with expert review for at least the first claim.
Who submits the registration and the tax schedule?: With Rand, the company declares and submits its own AusIndustry registration, prepared from a claim pack its director has approved. The R&D tax incentive schedule is part of the company tax return, so the company's own accountant or tax agent prepares and lodges it with the ATO. Rand gives the accountant a handoff letter with the registered figures.

The R&D Tax Incentive is a self-assessment program. This page is general information, not tax, legal, or financial advice; eligibility depends on your specific circumstances and you should seek independent advice for them.