R&D Tax Incentive: Understanding Eligibility for Your Business

The R&D Tax Incentive presents a remarkable opportunity for innovative businesses like yours to grow, thrive, and contribute to the advancement of industries. By understanding the eligibility criteria and leveraging the available resources, you can unlock the full potential of this incentive.

Today, we want to shed some light on the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive in New Zealand and help you determine whether your business is eligible to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

Is Your Business Eligible for the R&D Tax Incentive?

If you're a forward-thinking business owner considering future R&D endeavors, understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial to making informed decisions. Generally, to access the R&D tax incentive, your business must spend at least $50,000 per year on eligible R&D activities. However, don't worry if your expenditure falls short of this threshold; you may still qualify if you utilize an approved research provider to conduct R&D on your behalf.

Inland Revenue has compiled a list of approved research providers to help businesses navigate this process seamlessly. Leveraging their expertise could be a game-changer for your eligibility status.

Does Your R&D Qualify for the Incentive?

Eligible R&D activities must fulfill certain criteria to qualify for the tax incentive:

Acquisition of New Knowledge or Creation of Innovations:

The R&D you undertake must be geared towards acquiring new knowledge or creating a new and improved process, service, or product. Innovation lies at the heart of the incentive, driving businesses to explore uncharted territory and generate groundbreaking solutions.

Resolution of Scientific or Technological Uncertainty:

Your R&D initiatives should seek to resolve a scientific or technological uncertainty. It's not sufficient to apply existing knowledge in a new context; the core essence of your work should be to tackle complex problems or challenges that have not been addressed in your field before.

Systematic Approach:

To qualify, your R&D efforts must follow a systematic approach. This means a well-structured, organized, and methodical process designed to address the uncertainty effectively.

International R&D Activities:

While eligible R&D activities must be conducted within New Zealand, it's essential to note that up to 10 percent of total eligible spend can be related to R&D performed overseas. This provision opens doors for collaborations and partnerships on an international scale, enabling businesses to tap into global expertise.

Unlocking Eligibility: The R&D Tax Incentive Eligibility Tool

To help businesses like yours understand their eligibility status for the R&D tax incentive, the Inland Revenue offers a valuable tool. This online resource allows you to assess whether your organization and activities meet the required criteria, streamlining the application process and ensuring you don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

If you have any questions or need assistance in navigating the R&D tax incentive application process, don't hesitate to reach out to our expert team at Accountech. We're here to guide you every step of the way, providing outstanding service and ensuring you can make the most of this fantastic opportunity to fuel your business's growth. Remember, simplicity is key, and we're here to explain complex concepts in the most straightforward ways possible.