What the 2025 Election Means for Australian Business: Policy and Funding Highlights
From the $22.7B Future Made in Australia agenda to the promise of new funding for innovation, manufacturing, and SMEs, the re-election of the Albanese Labor government is expected to see a raft of programs and policies implemented to support Australian businesses. We've summarised what the next term has in store with a focus on the already announced support for its national industry priorities, as well as policies and programs that might further R&D and innovation.
R&D Tax: Excluded Activities
The R&D Tax Incentive expressly excludes certain activities from qualifying as ‘core R&D activities’. However, these excluded activities can still qualify as supporting R&D activities if a sufficient nexus to the conduct of the core R&D activity can be established. A recent Administrative Review Tribunal ruling has helpfully clarified that medical and health related research, even when involving behavioural aspects, is not excluded and is capable of being registered as an eligible core R&D activity.
EOFY R&D Tax Incentive Considerations
The end of the financial year is once again here, and it brings with it some important considerations. If you’re planning to lodge an R&D Tax Incentive claim for FY25, now is the time to check in with your advisors and ensure you're across a few key issues before 30 June.
R&D Tax Facts – 2025 Issue #2
Intellect Labs’ R&D Tax Facts is a summary of important developments in the world of the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) over the last 3 months.
2025-26 Federal Budget Summary
How does the 2025-26 Federal Budget stack up in terms of support for Australian companies pursuing R&D, innovation and new technology development.
The Pros and Cons of Advance Findings for the R&D Tax Incentive
One mechanism within the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive framework is the Advance Finding, which allows companies to seek pre-approval from the government to confirm the eligibility of their R&D activities before embarking on their R&D project.
Upcoming R&D tax deadline
An important reminder for Australian businesses with a 30 June year financial year that the deadline for lodging your 2023-24 R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) Application is fast-approaching.
R&D Tax Facts – February 2025
A summary of developments in the world of the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) program from the previous quarter.
R&D Tax Incentive update: Gambling and Tobacco Companies no longer welcome
The Australian Federal Government has announced as part of the 2024-25 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook that gambling and tobacco companies will no longer be able to access the R&D Tax Incentive. The move is indicative of the government seeking to align public funding with societal objectives, reducing indirect subsidies to industries linked to public harm but raising concerns about future industry-specific restrictions.
Reviewing the latest data on Australia's innovation performance.
The outcomes from the latest Australian Innovation Statistics appear positive at first glance. In case you missed it, we provide a summary of the highlights from this recent report. We also dig a little deeper to see that despite some positive indications, there are some concerning signs regarding Australia's innovation performance that should provide pause for thought and consideration of how businesses undertaking R&D can be better supported.
R&D Tax Facts – October 2024
A summary of developments in the world of the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) program from the previous quarter.
Deadline Reminder - Research and Development Tax Incentive
An important reminder for Australian businesses with a 31 December year - the deadline for lodging your 2023 R&D Tax Incentive Application is now less than a month away (31 October 2024).
Navigating AusIndustry's Software Sector Guidance
In May 2024, AusIndustry released an updated version of their software sector guidance for the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI). It’s important to be aware of any changes to guidance materials as this provides an insight into how the program will be administered and the key considerations of the regulators.
R&D Tax Facts – August 2024
Our R&D Tax Facts is a summary over the previous quarter of developments in the world of the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) program.
Streamlining R&D Tax Claims for Clinical Trials in Australia
Clinical trials have long been viewed favourably under the R&D Tax Incentive Program. To recognise this, the program offers an efficient registration process for trials registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, reducing the administrative burden for biotech companies. This streamlined approach, along with support through Advance Overseas Findings (AOF), empowers Australian biotech firms to innovate and lead on the global stage.
How to Successfully Navigate the Overseas Finding Process for R&D Tax Incentives
The Overseas Finding process is a crucial component of the Research & Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) in Australia, enabling companies to access a tax benefit for overseas activities that relate to an Australian R&D program. This guide explores the Overseas Finding process, the key conditions for eligibility, and recent ATO concerns as outlined in taxpayer alerts. We also highlight a successful case study with a cyber security innovator, Internet 2.0, to illustrate effective strategies for securing an Overseas Finding.
R&D Tax Incentives and the SME Turnover Dilemma
The R&D Tax Incentive remains Australia’s primary program for supporting businesses undertaking R&D activities with an estimated $3.2 billion annual investment. The program uses a $20 million annual turnover threshold to determine a company’s R&D tax rebate, a threshold that has been unchanged since 2011. In our view, it is time to review this arbitrary line in the sand and ensure the R&DTI aligns with other SME policies so that highly innovative medium sized businesses are incentivised to continue their R&D investment as they grow.
EOFY R&D Tax Incentive Considerations
The end of the financial year brings with it some important considerations if you’re planning to lodge an FY24 R&D Tax Incentive claim. We’ve summarised some key things you need to be across.
Recent AAT decision – Confirming the ATO’s powers to determine the eligibility of R&D Tax Incentive activities
In its latest R&D Tax Incentive decision (GQHC v Commissioner of Taxation [2024] AATA 409) , the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) affirmed the position that the ATO has the power to assess and determine the eligibility of R&D activities per the legislative requirements.
Upcoming R&D tax deadline
Reminder of an important, upcoming R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) deadline for businesses with a 30 June 2023 year end.