How a CPA Can Help You with Your Canadian SR&ED Applications
If you're running a business that’s innovating, building, or improving technologies — you may be leaving thousands of dollars on the table by not claiming SR&ED (Scientific Research & Experimental Development) tax credits.
But here’s the catch: while the government incentives are generous, the process to claim them is detailed, documentation-heavy, and audit-prone.
That’s where a CPA who understands SR&ED becomes your secret weapon.
✅ What Is SR&ED, and Why Does It Matter?
SR&ED is a federal tax incentive program that rewards Canadian businesses performing eligible R&D — whether in software, hardware, biotech, engineering, or manufacturing.
It can refund up to 64% of qualifying expenditures for small Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs). That includes:
Developer and engineering salaries
Subcontractor fees
Prototype and testing costs
Overhead, materials, and more
But to access these refunds, your claim must be airtight — both financially and technically.
👩💼 Why You Need a CPA (Not Just a Consultant)
Most SR&ED consultants focus on the technical write-up or "just getting a claim in." But CPAs bring a strategic financial lens to the process.
A qualified CPA can help you:
Identify eligible expenses that others might miss
Prepare your T661 and associated forms with full audit-readiness
Align SR&ED with your corporate tax strategy
Track and document costs properly throughout the year
Defend your claim if CRA comes knocking
At Lashley CPA PC, we go beyond filing — we build a roadmap for maximizing your claim and integrating it into your broader tax and funding strategy.