R&D Tax Incentive comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons of R&D Tax Incentive software, advisers and related programs, with sourced facts and the date each was last checked.
Programs
- AI-drafted or consultant-drafted R&D claims: strengths, failure modes and the review both needAI drafting is strongest when the evidence already sits in engineering and payroll systems; consultant drafting is strongest when the work lives in people's heads or paper records. Neither is safe unreviewed. The test is whether every statement of fact rests on records made at the time, with later explanation only interpreting them, checked by someone qualified.
- In-house or outsourced R&D claim: what you can hand over and what stays with youKeep the claim in-house if someone can own it every year and your activities are stable; outsource when the expertise or time is missing. Either way, the declaration, the records and the answer to an examination stay with the company. The deciding test is who will still understand the claim in two years.
- Can your accountant do your R&D claim? Yes, and here is where Rand fitsYes. Your accountant can prepare the whole claim, and usually prepares the ATO half: the R&D schedule and company tax return. The question is the AusIndustry registration, which turns on technical evidence. If your accountant writes registrations regularly and your activities are few and well recorded, they may need no one else.
- Can you claim the R&D Tax Incentive yourself? Yes. Here is what it takesYes. The program is self-assessed and a company can register its own activities through the customer portal, then claim through its tax return. Doing it yourself works when you have few activities, good records made at the time, and someone with the hours to learn the form and stand behind the declaration.
- Australian R&D Tax Incentive vs UK R&D relief under the merged scheme and ERISFor UK accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2024, HMRC runs a merged R&D expenditure credit at 20%, plus ERIS for loss-making SMEs whose R&D is at least 30% of spend. Australia's offset is a premium on the company tax rate, refundable under $20 million turnover. A group claims each on its own companies' R&D.
- Australian vs New Zealand R&D Tax Incentive for trans-Tasman companiesNew Zealand's RDTI is a flat 15% tax credit on eligible R&D spend of NZ$50,000 to NZ$120 million a year (more with IRD approval), and you need IRD approval before claiming. Australia's offset adds a premium to the company tax rate, refundable under $20 million turnover. Each company claims on R&D performed in its own country.
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 circumstances and you should seek independent advice for them.