Grants & R&D Insights
Guidance on the R&D Tax Incentive, government grants, and how accounting firms put GrantsMAX to work.
End-of-financial-year R&D checklist for 30 June
A practical pre-30 June R&D activity and expenditure checklist for Australian businesses, with steps on contemporaneous records, ATO and AusIndustry
R&D Tax Incentive glossary: terms every founder should know
Navigate the R&D Tax Incentive with confidence. Our plain-English glossary defines core activity, notional deduction, at-risk, feedstock, and more, so you
Quarterly R&D habits that make claim season painless
Build simple quarterly R&D habits to turn claim season from a frantic scramble into a calm, audit-ready process. Practical steps for Australian businesses to
How to estimate your potential R&D benefit, with caveats
A plain-English guide to roughly estimating your R&D Tax Incentive benefit step by step, with the hard caveats you must know. Not tax advice-confirm with
The R&D intensity premium for larger companies, explained
A step-by-step guide for larger Australian companies on how the R&D intensity premium works, from calculating your intensity to applying the two-tier
The refundable R&D offset for companies under the turnover threshold
A step-by-step guide to the refundable R&D tax offset for Australian companies under the turnover threshold. Who may qualify, what counts as eligible R&D, and
R&D Tax Incentive myths, corrected
Common R&D Tax Incentive myths debunked for Australian businesses. Learn what truly counts as eligible R&D, software rules, audit realities, and why a
Proposed 2026 reforms to the R&D Tax Incentive to watch
Stay ahead of proposed 2026 reforms to the R&D Tax Incentive. Learn what may change, how it could affect your Australian business, and practical steps to
Planning R&D documentation across the income year
Space R&D evidence across quarters so your claim is ready before lodgment. A practical, quarterly guide for Australian businesses and their accountants.
How to scope your R&D activities before year-end
Learn how to identify and document your eligible R&D activities before the financial year closes. A practical, step-by-step guide for Australian businesses and
A first-year R&D claim checklist for Australian SMEs
A first-year R&D claim checklist for Australian SMEs: practical, step-by-step actions from eligibility scoping to registration, record-keeping, and lodgment
R&D Tax Incentive FAQ for first-time claimants
First-time claimant FAQ: Australia's R&D Tax Incentive eligibility, registration, substantiation, accountant role, and how GrantsMAX prepares the pack.
Why your accountant stays in control of every claim
Discover why your accountant remains the decision-maker in every R&D Tax Incentive and government grant claim. A step-by-step guide on how GrantsMAX prepares
What is the R&D Tax Incentive? A plain-English guide for Australian businesses
Understand the R&D Tax Incentive in simple terms: what it is, who may be eligible, how to register, the evidence you need, and the accountant's role. A
How AI helps prepare, not lodge, an R&D claim
AI can accelerate your R&D Tax Incentive claim preparation, but it can't lodge. This step-by-step guide shows how AI prepares evidence-backed packs while a
Read-only data access and security in grant preparation
Understand how read-only data connections protect your financials during grant preparation, why they matter for ATO compliance, and how GrantsMAX secures your
From Xero to a submission-ready R&D pack
Turn your Xero ledger into a complete R&D Tax Incentive submission pack. A step‑by‑step guide on secure data connection, evidence‑backed pack preparation, and
Connecting Xero for R&D: what data matters
Connecting Xero for R&D: learn what data GrantsMAX reads to map eligible activities and expenditure, with secure read-only access. Step-by-step guide for
How your accounting data powers a faster R&D claim
Clean accounting data speeds R&D claim preparation. This step-by-step guide shows how GrantsMAX reads your Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks data and prepares a
White-label grant and R&D preparation for accounting firms
A step-by-step guide for accounting firms to offer white-label grant and R&D preparation while remaining the lodging agent. Learn secure data integration
The Tax Practitioners Board and R&D claims: what to know
The Tax Practitioners Board regulates who can prepare and lodge R&D tax claims in Australia. Understand the TPB's role, why lodgement is a registered-agent
What accountants should ask clients before an R&D claim
Accountants play a critical role in preparing an accurate R&D tax claim. Discover the essential diligence questions to ask every client, from eligibility and
Building an R&D advisory line in your accounting practice
A practical guide for accounting firms on building an R&D advisory service line, covering the Australian R&D Tax Incentive, efficient documentation with
Why a registered tax agent must review and lodge R&D and grant claims
Learn why a registered tax agent must review and lodge R&D and grant claims, the TPB rules, what software can and can't do, and how to stay compliant with ATO
How accountants can review an R&D claim with confidence
A step-by-step guide for accountants: review R&D tax incentive claims confidently. Covers activity eligibility, nexus, record keeping, and lodgment. Backed by
R&D Tax Incentive for accountants: an advisory opportunity
A step-by-step guide for Australian accounting firms adding R&D advisory services while staying within the registered-tax-agent role, citing TPB requirements
A snapshot of state and territory business grant programs
A neutral jurisdictional overview of Australian state and territory business grant programs, where to find them, and how to verify current rounds.
Matched funding and co-contributions in grants, explained
Understand matched funding and co-contribution requirements for Australian government grants. Learn how to budget, document, and prepare evidence-backed
Common reasons grant applications are rejected
Discover the most common reasons Australian grant applications are rejected, from eligibility gaps to weak evidence, and practical steps to avoid them. Includes
What an evidence-backed grant application looks like
See what a strong, evidence-backed R&D Tax Incentive or grant application looks like, from eligibility to substantiation, and how GrantsMAX prepares the pack for
How to read a grant's eligibility and assessment criteria
Learn a step-by-step method to parse government grant guidelines, eligibility rules, and merit criteria, so you can build an evidence-backed application that
The Industry Growth Program, explained
A step-by-step guide to the Australian Government's Industry Growth Program: advisory support, matched grants, eligibility, and how to prepare a strong
Grants vs incentives: competitive versus entitlement funding
Contrast self-assessed R&D tax incentive entitlements with competitive grants for Australian businesses. Learn how to approach each funding mechanism to
Finding government grants on business.gov.au
A step-by-step guide to using the official business.gov.au grant finder to search for Australian government grants and funding programs, with tips on reading
State innovation grants in Australia: where to start
Discover state innovation grants in Australia: where to start. A step-by-step guide for businesses seeking NSW, QLD, SA and other state funding, with official
R&D Tax Incentive and grants: can you use both?
Can you claim the R&D Tax Incentive and government grants at the same time? This plain‑English guide explains the clawback rule, at‑risk offset, and practical
EMDG eligibility and tiers, explained
Understand EMDG eligibility and the three-tier grant structure for Australian exporters. Practical guidance on Austrade criteria, expenditure thresholds, and
The Export Market Development Grant (EMDG): a guide for exporters
A practical guide to the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) from Austrade: how eligible Australian exporters can claim back promotion costs, the
When to expect your R&D refund and how to plan for it
When to expect your R&D refund and how to plan for it: ATO processing, evidence requirements, and cash flow tips for Australian businesses.
The R&D notional deduction, explained
Confused by the R&D notional deduction? This plain-English guide explains what it is, how it differs from ordinary deductions, and steps to calculate it with
Accounting for the R&D tax offset in your financial statements
Step-by-step accounting guide for the Australian R&D tax offset: policy choices, journal entries, and financial statement presentation. Confirm with your
How the R&D Tax Incentive interacts with other support like ESIC
Learn how the R&D Tax Incentive interacts with ESIC, other grants, and at-risk rules. A step-by-step guide for Australian businesses to coordinate claims
The R&D tax offset and your company tax return: how they fit together
Step-by-step: how the R&D tax offset flows through your company tax return after AusIndustry registration. For Australian businesses and their accountants
How an R&D refund affects your cash flow
Understand how an R&D refund affects your cash flow. This step-by-step guide walks Australian businesses through eligibility, evidence, lodgement and cash
The R&D Tax Incentive for mining, METS, and resources
A step-by-step guide to the R&D Tax Incentive for mining, METS, and resources. Learn about eligibility, core vs supporting activities, exploration exclusions
The R&D Tax Incentive for fintech companies
A practical step-by-step guide for Australian fintech companies on the R&D Tax Incentive. Learn eligibility, documentation, and the claiming process, and how
The R&D Tax Incentive for medical device companies
A practical step-by-step guide for Australian medical device businesses exploring the R&D Tax Incentive, from eligibility and core activities to evidence and
The R&D Tax Incentive for clean energy and cleantech
A step-by-step guide for Australian clean energy and cleantech companies on accessing the R&D Tax Incentive, from eligibility and record keeping to grant
The R&D Tax Incentive for construction and engineering
A practical guide for construction and engineering firms navigating the Australian R&D Tax Incentive, from identifying genuine experimentation to building an
The R&D Tax Incentive for food and beverage producers
Guide for food and beverage producers on the R&D Tax Incentive, recipe R&D, process innovation, feedstock rule. General info; confirm with registered tax
The R&D Tax Incentive for agtech and agriculture
A step-by-step guide on how agtech and agricultural businesses may claim the R&D Tax Incentive. Includes eligibility, evidence requirements, and practical
The R&D Tax Incentive for biotech and life sciences
A step-by-step guide for Australian biotech and life sciences companies exploring the R&D Tax Incentive, eligibility for lab and trial work, substantiation
The R&D Tax Incentive for manufacturers
A step-by-step guide for Australian manufacturers on the R&D Tax Incentive: identify qualifying activities, understand the feedstock rule, and prepare a claim
The R&D Tax Incentive for software and SaaS companies
A step-by-step guide for Australian software and SaaS firms to navigate the R&D Tax Incentive: eligibility, core vs supporting activities, substantiation, and
Red flags that put an R&D claim at risk
Weak hypotheses, missing records and blanket claims are just some of the red flags that put an R&D claim at risk. Learn what to look for and how to fix it
Lessons from published R&D Tax Incentive AAT decisions
Discover how Australian businesses can use published AAT decisions to improve R&D Tax Incentive claims. A practical step-by-step guide to extracting lessons
Why business-as-usual work usually is not eligible R&D
Learn why routine business activities rarely qualify as eligible R&D under Australia's R&D Tax Incentive. A step-by-step self-assessment guide with official
Overclaiming R&D: the compliance risks for your business
Overclaiming the R&D Tax Incentive exposes your business to ATO penalties, reputational damage, and cash-flow hits. Learn the risks and how to build a
Why your whole project is not your R&D claim
Your R&D project likely includes work that isn't eligible for the tax offset. Learn how to isolate core and supporting activities with a step-by-step approach
The most common R&D Tax Incentive mistakes, and how to avoid them
Australian businesses are making costly R&D Tax Incentive errors. Learn the top 10 mistakes from overclaiming to poor records, and how to avoid them with a
Common R&D substantiation gaps and how to close them
The most frequent R&D Tax Incentive substantiation gaps Aussie businesses encounter, missing timesheets, vague descriptions, poor cost nexus, and the practical
Linking R&D expenditure to registered activities
A practical guide for Australian businesses: how to map your actual spend against your registered R&D activities so the nexus is clear, defensible, and ready
Contemporaneous documentation: why the timing of your records matters
Learn why records created during your R&D work carry more weight with AusIndustry and the ATO, and how to build a simple, habit-based documentation approach
How to respond to an AusIndustry or ATO R&D review
Facing an AusIndustry or ATO R&D review? Get a step-by-step guide to responding with evidence and working with your registered tax agent to protect your claim.
What can trigger an R&D Tax Incentive review or audit
Understand what can trigger an R&D Tax Incentive review or audit, and how strong documentation reduces risk. Practical steps for Australian businesses to
Building an audit-ready R&D evidence trail from your own systems
Learn to build an audit-ready R&D evidence trail from your own systems using emails, invoices, timesheets, and code commits. A step-by-step guide for
How to substantiate R&D activities with contemporaneous records
Learn how to substantiate R&D activities with contemporaneous records for the Australian R&D Tax Incentive. Practical steps, examples, and compliance tips. Not
R&D record keeping: what evidence the ATO and AusIndustry expect
A practical guide to contemporaneous records for R&D claims, what the ATO and AusIndustry look for, how to build an audit-ready evidence trail, and why a
Connected and affiliated entities in an R&D claim
How grouping rules for connected and affiliated entities affect your R&D tax claim in Australia. A step-by-step guide with official references, entity mapping
Depreciation of assets used in R&D activities
Learn how to claim depreciation on assets used in R&D activities under Australia's R&D Tax Incentive. Covers ATO rules, eligibility, calculation
The at-risk rule and government recoupment in the R&D Tax Incentive
Understand the ATO's at-risk rule and government recoupment clawback for the R&D Tax Incentive. A step-by-step guide for Australian businesses to plan
Claiming overheads and apportioning R&D costs
Learn how to reasonably apportion overheads to R&D activities for the Australian R&D Tax Incentive. Defensible methods, evidence requirements, and the role of
The feedstock rule in the R&D Tax Incentive, explained
Understand the R&D Tax Incentive feedstock adjustment-what it is, when it applies, how it works with a simple example, and why it trips up Australian
Contractor and associate costs in an R&D claim
A step-by-step guide to contractor and associate costs under the R&D Tax Incentive: what may be eligible, timing rules for associate payments, substantiation
Claiming employee salaries and on-costs for R&D
A practical guide to claiming employee salaries, wages, and on-costs under Australia's R&D Tax Incentive. Covers ATO rules, timesheets, and apportionment
What R&D expenditure can you claim? A breakdown
What R&D expenditure can your Australian business claim? Our breakdown covers notional deductions for salaries, contractors, overheads, materials, with ATO
R&D conducted overseas: when it can and cannot be claimed
Understand the general rule that R&D must be in Australia and the narrow overseas finding exception. A practical guide for Australian businesses and their
Clinical trials and the R&D Tax Incentive
Learn how clinical trials may fit the R&D Tax Incentive's core and supporting definitions, the evidence you need, and how GrantsMAX prepares your pack for your
Can startups with no revenue claim the R&D Tax Incentive?
Can startups with no revenue claim the R&D Tax Incentive? A step-by-step guide covering eligibility, the refundable offset, and how pre-revenue companies may
Software development and the R&D Tax Incentive: where the line sits
Understand where routine software development ends and eligible R&D begins under the Australian R&D Tax Incentive, with practical steps to assess your
Excluded R&D activities you cannot claim
Learn which R&D activities the ATO excludes. Market research, reverse engineering, and more. Steps to stay audit-ready and prepare your claim with GrantsMAX.
What counts as a systematic progression of work for R&D
Understand the systematic progression of work requirement for the R&D Tax Incentive. A step-by-step guide to formulating hypotheses, running experiments, and
The new knowledge test in the R&D Tax Incentive, explained
A plain-English guide for Australian businesses on the new knowledge test for the R&D Tax Incentive. Learn what counts, what doesn't, and how to document it
R&D Tax Incentive key dates for the 2025-26 income year
Step-by-step guide to registration deadlines and lodgement timing for the R&D Tax Incentive in the 2025-26 income year. Verifiable dates from AusIndustry and
Can you amend a prior-year R&D Tax Incentive claim?
If your business may have missed eligible R&D activities in a past year, amending your company tax return could be an option, but the ATO’s amendment rules are
Advance and overseas findings: when to apply and why
Learn the practical steps, strict deadlines and evidence needed to apply for advance and overseas findings under the R&D Tax Incentive. An accountant‑focused
What happens after you lodge an R&D Tax Incentive claim
After lodging an R&D Tax Incentive claim, what reviews may follow and what records must you keep? A plain-English guide for Australian businesses and their
How the R&D tax offset is claimed in your company tax return
A step-by-step guide for Australian companies: from AusIndustry registration to lodging the R&D tax offset in your company tax return, reviewed and lodged by a
From registration to refund: the R&D Tax Incentive timeline
A practical walkthrough of the R&D Tax Incentive timeline for Australian businesses, from AusIndustry registration to lodgement and refund. Read the steps
The 10-month R&D registration deadline: what it means for your income year
Learn the 10-month R&D registration deadline, how to calculate it for your income year, and the steps to avoid missing it. Practical guide for Australian
How to register R&D activities with AusIndustry, step by step
A step-by-step guide to registering R&D activities with AusIndustry through the R&DTI customer portal, what you need before you start, and how the process fits
The two regulators behind the R&D Tax Incentive: AusIndustry and the ATO
Learn how AusIndustry and the ATO jointly run the R&D Tax Incentive: one assesses your activities, the other handles expenditure and offsets. A step-by-step
R&D Tax Incentive vs a government grant: what is the difference
Understand the R&D Tax Incentive vs a government grant: what is the difference, how they interact, and how to assess your eligibility with GrantsMAX's AI agent.
Who can claim the R&D Tax Incentive? Eligible R&D entities explained
Find out which Australian entities may claim the R&D Tax Incentive. This step-by-step guide covers company eligibility, qualifying R&D activities, and ATO
Aggregated turnover and the R&D Tax Incentive: why the threshold matters
Aggregated turnover can determine whether your R&D tax offset is refundable or non-refundable. Learn the grouping rules, the current $20 million threshold, and
The minimum R&D spend rule for the R&D Tax Incentive, explained
Understand the ATO's notional deduction threshold for the R&D Tax Incentive, including exceptions and how to work out if your business may be eligible. A
Core R&D activities vs supporting R&D activities: how to tell them apart
Distinguish core R&D activities from supporting activities for the R&D Tax Incentive. Step-by-step guide with ATO tests, examples, and compliance tips for
How the R&D tax offset is calculated, and how to think about your potential benefit
Learn how the R&D tax offset is calculated using notional deductions, refundable and non-refundable rates, and how to estimate your potential benefit while
Refundable vs non-refundable R&D tax offset: which applies to your business
Understand the two R&D tax offset types and how your aggregate turnover determines whether your claim is refundable or non-refundable. Step-by-step guide for
Is your company eligible for the R&D Tax Incentive? The eligibility criteria explained
Understand who may be eligible for Australia’s R&D Tax Incentive: entity types, eligible activities, minimum spend, registration, and record keeping, with
What is the R&D Tax Incentive? A plain-English guide for Australian businesses
The R&D Tax Incentive explained in plain English: how AusIndustry and the ATO jointly administer it, what activities may be eligible, offset types, and a