Industry Specific Issues

Senate Economics Committee Review Into Proposed R&D Tax Incentive Changes

January 31st, 2019

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 […]

Read More

StartupAUS Calls for Clearer Support for Software R&D Activities

December 6th, 2018

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 […]

Read More

R&D Tax Incentive Crackdown For Software Claims

December 4th, 2018

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 […]

Read More

Moreton Resources’ R&D Activities Affirmed As Ineligible

September 14th, 2018

On 12 September 2018, Moreton Resources Ltd announced on the ASX that the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) recently affirmed a decision by Innovation and Science Australia (ISA) that registered R&D activities were not eligible. This was decided on the basis that underground coal gasification is a known and proven technology and is therefore not considered a research and development activity, as defined by the 1997 Income Tax Assessment Act. The AAT have issued an amended assessment for $9M. Moreton Resources […]

Read More

Categories

Archives