PSS TAX · SERVICE 06
AN R&D TAX CREDIT SPOTTER GUIDE
The Simple Test
Using advanced technology doesn’t make something R&D. Advancing technological capability can.
Look for businesses attempting to overcome limitations in existing hardware, software, networks, data systems or interconnected technologies where the solution could not readily be determined by experienced professionals.
IT & Technology
Don’t rule it out just because…
The components themselves are commercially available
The business doesn’t describe itself as a developer
The project was primarily undertaken for a customer
The eventual solution combined existing technologies
A proof of concept failed
Only part of the technical project involved uncertainty
R&D vs probably not R&D
Potentially R&D
Developing a distributed data-processing solution to overcome limitations in existing architecture where throughput, synchronisation and reliability requirements couldn’t simultaneously be achieved using established approaches.
Probably not R&D by itself
Installing commercially available technology and configuring it to the customer’s requirements.