About the research and development (R&D) tax incentive
The R&D tax incentive operates as a tax credit, incentivising businesses and individuals who perform R&D activities.
Key features include:
- 15% tax credit available for eligible R&D
- minimum eligible R&D expenditure of $50,000 a year
- maximum eligible R&D expenditure of $120 million a year
- definition of R&D to span more sectors.
The purpose of the R&D tax incentive is to seek to solve scientific or technological uncertainty(ies).
Steps to claim the research and development (R&D) tax incentive credit
To be eligible for the R&D tax incentive credit, you must apply and get approval for your R&D activities. You will then be eligible to claim the credit.
- Check your eligibility to register for the research and development tax incentive.
- Once you have determined you are eligible, register for the research and development tax incentive.
- Submit a general approval application, OR submit a criteria and methodologies approval application by the relevant due date.
- Once the general approval or criteria and methodologies approval application have been approved, submit a R&D supplementary return by the relevant due date.
Eligibility for the research and development tax incentive
Register for the research and development tax incentive
Applying for general approval on your R&D activities
Guidance for submitting your criteria and methodologies application
Research and development (R&D) tax incentive due dates
To help customers manage the impacts of COVID-19, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue has extended the due dates for some of the application years. Find out more about the due dates here:
