Last Updated on May 8, 2022 by
The R&D tax credit is a refundable tax credit that helps offset some of the cost of R&D expenses. The government encourages businesses to engage in R&D by offering tax credits, and it is a useful tool for any business that qualifies. To claim the R&D tax credit, a business must first register with the CRA and have a valid TIN (tax identification number).
To qualify for the R&D tax credit, the business must be carrying out scientific research and the expenses must be eligible expenses. The CRA has compiled some useful information on the eligibility requirements, the calculation of the credit, and how to claim the credit. These tips should help you get ready to claim the R&D tax credit.
Find Your Registered Business Number
The first step is to find your registered business number (RBN). The RBN is an 11-digit number that appears on your business income tax return. If you’re a small business owner, the RBN is the easiest identifier to remember.
It helps you track your tax filings and is a key number that the CRA uses to assess tax and file returns. Your RBN is different from your tax account number. The tax account number is the 10-digit number that appears on your income tax notice. You’ll need both your RBN and tax account number to file your return and to claim the R&D tax credit.
Costs Must Be Eligible
Businesses can claim the R&D tax credit if the expenses are eligible. Here are some of the qualifications the CRA uses to determine if an expense is eligible: The expense must be incurred in a qualifying country. A qualifying country is one with a strong scientific research sector as defined by the government. The government defines these countries as: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.
The expense must be related to the research conducted in Canada. That is, the activity must have a link to Canada. The activity must be connected to the creation of a new product, process, or improvement. The activity must be an activity that is ordinarily engaged in by a person in business for profit. The expenses that are considered business expenses are discussed below.
Eligible Expenses
Business expenses that are eligible for the R&D tax credit include: Employee benefits The cost of employee benefits, like health care, dental, and vision plans are all eligible expenses. The cost of your office (rent, utilities, etc.) is eligible if it’s used for business.
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The cost of your inventory is eligible if it’s produced for sale or used in production. The cost of your equipment The cost of your equipment is eligible if it’s used for R&D or in a related activity. The cost of your materials The cost of your raw materials is eligible if it’s consumed in production. The cost of your samples The cost of your samples is eligible if it’s used for promotional or testing purposes.
The cost of your contract research The costs related to contract research are eligible. These include salaries, benefits, and equipment costs. The cost of your permits is eligible if it’s related to R&D. The cost of your licenses is eligible if it’s related to R&D. The cost of professional services The costs of services provided by professionals that are directly related to R&D are eligible.
Learn About the Calculation of the Credit
The CRA publishes a detailed guide to calculating the R&D tax credit. The guide explains the eligible expenses, the calculation of the credit, and the reporting requirements for the R&D tax credit. You can access the guide on the CRA website. The most recent version of the guide can be found here.
Claim the Credit
To claim the R&D tax credit, a business must file a T2201 tax return and claim the credit. The tax return should be filed using the RBN and tax account number provided on the notice of assessment.
The credit amount will appear on the notice of assessment. The due date for filing the return is six months after the end of the fiscal year. It’s best to file your return as soon as possible after the end of the fiscal year. Late filing penalties apply if you miss the deadline.
Conclusion
The R&D tax credit is a valuable credit for businesses that carry out scientific research in Canada. To qualify, a business must be incorporated and carry out scientific research activities in Canada.
The expenses must be related to the research conducted in Canada, and the business must have a valid tax identification number and registered business number. The tax credit is available as a refundable credit and can range from 8% to 35%. The maximum credit allowed is $0.5 million per year.
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