In the Federal Budget handed down on 12 May 2026, The Government proposed major structural changes to the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI). These changes are proposed to commence on 1 July 2028. Proposed reforms include: Increasing the offset for experimental ‘core’ R&D by around 25 to 50 per cent and removing eligibility for expenditure that only supports R&D. The intensity threshold will reduce from 2 per cent to 1.5 per cent, providing higher offsets to firms undertaking substantial core R&D. Expenditure […]
Swanson Reed’s initial analysis of the R&D announcements in May 2026 are summarised here. After we considered these proposed changes in greater detail, we are particularly alarmed about a proposed change announced in the Budget to the R&D Tax Incentive that we feel has not been communicated well nor understood by those whom it may impact… We fear the announced proposal to limit access to the Refundable R&D Tax Offset to firms operating less than ten years will be determined based on an […]
The 2026–27 Australian Federal Budget will be delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. The AFR has reported today that: Treasurer Jim Chalmers is expected to raise the current $150 million cap on R&D expenses that can be claimed, in a move that will immediately help tech giant Atlassian and hearing device maker Cochlear, but is also aimed at making Australia a more internationally competitive investment destination. A review of the R&D and innovation system led […]
The federal budget, traditionally in May each year was deferred by the government until 6 October 2020 due to COVID. In comments to Smartcompany.com.au, this week, StartupAus chief Alex McCauley has continued his strong advocacy for the R&D Tax Incentive. Key highlights of Alex’s position include: This year’s budget can be somewhat be considered as two budgets together, in a seven month period; the R&D Tax Incentive is the “number one priority” for this year’s budget; whatever the merits were of amending the […]