AusIndustry have released two additional guidance documents particularly relevant to claimants conducting software development R&D activities: Software activities and the R&D Tax Incentive; Guide to Common Errors; This guidance has been released following earlier material from AusIndustry indicating concerns over inappropriate claims for Software Activities, and reports in the media of large software development R&D claims being found to be ineligible during review. The general principles within this new guidance remains consistent, in that claimants must demonstrate how their software is […]
The Senate Economics Legislation Committee conducted a public hearing in Melbourne on 30 January which heard submissions from various stakeholders including: Cochlear Ltd; Brickworks Ltd; CSL; Dulux Group; The AFR has reported that representatives from these groups have consistently argued that continual change to R&D Tax Incentive introduces uncertainty and reduces Australia’s relative attractiveness as an investment location. In fact, R&D spending in Australia has fallen by over $2 billion since 2013-14. The proposed intensity threshold for companies with annual turnover […]
StartupAUS, Australia’s national startup advocacy group has released a report titled Crossroads – Fifth Anniversary edition. Data from the company has found that almost 90 percent of startups rate the R&D tax incentive as “very important” or “critical” to their business’s success. Within the report, they have called for greater assurance for software companies accessing the R&D Tax Incentive, and put forward proposals including: A moratorium on audits for software claims; A legislative amendment to the R&D Tax Incentive, or […]
Reports have emerged in the media recently of software development companies that have been subject to adverse R&D Tax Compliance proceedings. Whilst the benefits available under the R&D Tax Incentive are significant, these reports affirm the need to ensure R&D claims are completed with diligence, and in accordance with the current reporting expectations. Recent publications from ATO and AusIndustry on software development activities have highlighted current regulatory compliance focuses, which include the need to: Detail the specific hypothesis, or central […]