AusIndustry has released a new R&D Tax Incentive application form, effective 15 August. On the surface, the changes may look like small tweaks. In reality, they mark a shift in how applications are assessed and the risks if you get it wrong.
Here’s what’s new:
- More detail required – larger character limits mean longer, more technical explanations of your projects.
- Additional questions – covering your documentation and record-keeping.
- Sources investigated – you’ll now need to outline what you reviewed before starting your R&D.
But there’s more behind these updates.
The application is no longer just about registering your R&D activities. The additional requirements provide information that AusIndustry and the ATO can use later in compliance reviews. In effect, the form is beginning to look like an audit document.
That means:
- Increased preparation time and cost – vague answers won’t cut it; detailed, evidence-backed explanations are needed.
- Greater scrutiny – incomplete or unclear responses could flag your claim for review, even if your activities are otherwise eligible.
- Added compliance burden – elements from the more detailed Advance Finding process, such as projected expenditure and record-keeping standards, have been pulled into the registration stage.
That’s why it’s never been more important to have expert guidance.
GrantReady has helped Australian businesses secure more than $700m in R&D support over the past 20 years. We know how to prepare applications that stand up under scrutiny, without overburdening your business.
Let us make sure your claim is robust, compliant, and successful.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at lina@grantready.com.au