The SR&ED first-time claimant advisory service (FTCAS) was introduced by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in 2014. This is a free discussion to all first-time claimants on the SR&ED program that must be attended by all first-time filers. The discussion/meeting will assist all applicants in preparing future SR&ED claims regardless of using a consultant or filing in-house. Since this advisory service is fairly new, we have experienced many companies asking us questions about the FTCAS program. Below we have illustrated questions and concerns that many companies face with the FTCAS as well as how to be prepared when the CRA is asking for additional SR&ED documentation.

A CCPC is a Canadian-controlled private corporation with ownership in Canada. The CCPC is not registered on the stock exchange nor does it have ownership in a foreign country. With relation to the SR&ED Tax Credit, a CCPC will maintain its status as long as the taxable capital is less than $50 million.
A Non-CCPC can be a public company incorporated in Canada, owning shares on the stock exchange, having foreign ownership, or having a taxable capital larger than $50 million.

Maintaining NRC IRAP (National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program) funding can be a challenge for businesses, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada. Here’s a breakdown of some key struggles:

From start-ups to SMEs to large corporations, we often find companies asking us, “when should we claim our SR&ED projects for the year” and “what activities qualify”? Usually, companies new to the SR&ED program tend to look at the commercialization of a project.

Navigating SR&ED Tax Credit deadlines and reviews can be complex, but with proper planning, you can simplify the process. In this quick guide, we’ll explore SR&ED filing deadlines, outline ABGi Canada’s streamlined five-stage process for filing claims, and offer insights into CRA reviews.

As of January 1st, 2021, new changes to contact The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) over the phone will take into effect. CRA is tasked with protecting the information of businesses and individuals and in doing so will require additional information from a person contacting them about financial information.

In our first article published in March on the Medical Cannabis Industry titled SR&ED Eligibility Criteria and Possible Projects in the Medical Cannabis Industry, we continue on educating entrepreneurs and companies within the industry to take advantage of the SR&ED program.

This article will focus on the first stages of the SR&ED project.
To make sure that the correct amount of expenses is claimed, it is very important to determine when the SR&ED project begins.

The Scientific Research and Experimental Development program (SR&ED) was established to support R&D and innovation within Canada. $3 to $5 billion dollars is dedicated to the program annually by the government. Any Canadian company acquiring new knowledge (which is not available in the public domain) by the systematic investigation is eligible for up to 65% refund for its R&D expenses, including salaries, overhead, subcontractors and consumed materials.