2008 media releases
R&D tax credit goes live
31 March 2008
The new 15 per cent research and development (R&D) tax credit for businesses takes effect from tomorrow, April 1.
The tax credit will give eligible businesses back 15 cents in every dollar they spend on R&D that meets specific criteria.
Programme Director Ron Grindle said comprehensive guidelines about the R&D tax credit are available on the Inland Revenue website. Businesses can consult the website assess their eligibility, and find out what records they will need to keep.
The detailed statement required to support an R&D tax credit claim, and information about how to complete it, will be on the website in time for businesses to file their first claims from 1 April 2009.
"What's different about this process is that, for the first time, businesses are required by law to file the statement electronically," said Mr Grindle. "Anyone who needs to file before 1 April 2009 should contact us, as we will have a manual process in place for them."
To be eligible, the R&D must meet key tests relating to the business itself, the activity and the amount spent on R&D. The business must operate in New Zealand and R&D activities must be related to business activities. The business must also control the R&D, bear the financial risk, and own the results. It generally must also spend $20,000 or more.
However, businesses that spend less than $20,000 will still be able to claim the tax credit if they use a research provider listed on the Inland Revenue website.
Mr Grindle said that these listed research providers must be able to undertake R&D for other, non-associated businesses, have facilities in New Zealand, charge commercial rates and keep good supporting records.
In December 2007, Inland Revenue released for public consultation draft guidelines for businesses wanting to apply for the tax credit."Feedback from that process has been incorporated into the website, and we will continue to make improvements," said Mr Grindle.
Inland Revenue had received very useful feedback about the tax credit from businesses and the R&D sector, he said. "We will continue the dialogue."
For more information about the tax credit, customers are invited to call Inland Revenue or go to Research and development (R&D) tax credit.
Ends
For more information:
Adrienne Perry
Inland Revenue
(04) 890 1698
(029) 890 1698
adrienne.perry@ird.govt.nz
Other media releases this year
- Accountant sentenced for tax evasion
- Invercargill accountant jailed for tax evasion
- Dairy owner sentenced for hiding half a million
- Tauranga court jails man for tax evasion
- Most Working for Families recipients not charged interest for overpayments
- Former Kaikohe farm manager jailed for tax evasion
- Auckland plasterer jailed for tax evasion
- New callback service rolled out across Call Centre
- Former employee sentenced
- KiwiSaver report released
- Inland Revenue expands e-services
- Do-it-yourself tax refunds
- Employers reminded about new tax rates
- Former Inland Revenue employee pleads guilty to corruption
- Sentencing strong message for contractors
- Accountant jailed for defrauding clients and Inland Revenue
- Inland Revenue pilots callback system to help customers
- Inland Revenue proposes changes to company tax return
- Agricultural contractor sentenced
- Jail for horticultural student
- Tax fraud results in jail term
- Thousands apply for student loan amnesty
- Early Working for Families Tax Credits payments
- Inland Revenue wins People's Choice NetGuide web award for second time
- Waikato couple sentenced for tax evasion
- Inland Revenue warns about income diversion
- Report of investigation of an error in tax revenue numbers
- Tax credits for people made redundant
- Student Loan amnesty - last chance to apply
- Revised financial statements
- Tax advice for investors in failed finance companies
- Tax advice for property investors
- Provisional tax gets easier
- Early Working for Families Tax Credits payments
- IRD numbers about to get longer
- Tax authorities work together to stop international tax evasion
- Inland Revenue helps drought-affected farmers
- IRD numbers available at NZ Post and AA
- Inland Revenue warns against divulging personal details
- Second jail term for major tax scam
- Welcome surprise for owners of forgotten money
- End-of-year tax date fast approaching
- Time running out for student loan amnesty
Corporate Affairs
Inland Revenue
To make a media query:
Phone 04 890 1698 or email mediaqueries@ird.govt.nz
Please note, the email address is only for enquiries from the news media. It is monitored during normal business hours 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
P O Box 2198
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Date published: 31 Mar 2008
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