R&D Tax Incentive

Unlock government funding for your software development.

Australian businesses can receive up to 43.5% cash back on eligible software development. We simplify eligibility, documentation and applications so you can claim with confidence, before and during the build.

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We've worked with

HOTA Home of the Arts
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Ray White
Australian Red Cross
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Smoke Alarms Australia
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Overview

Get the kickstart you need with the Research & Development Tax Incentive.

The Research & Development Tax Incentive (R&DTI) is an Australian government initiative that rewards businesses investing in innovation, technology and software development. Eligible companies can receive up to 43.5% in tax offsets or cash refunds, significantly reducing the cost of building new products, AI-driven solutions and automation technologies.

At Spritely, we specialise in helping businesses identify eligible projects, structure their applications and successfully secure R&D grants. Our team ensures your claim is accurate, compliant and maximised so you unlock the full potential of your investment.

We simplify the process for everyday Australian companies to determine eligibility prior to development, so you know where you stand before you commit significant spend.

Talk through your brief

  • Up to 43.5% tax offset or cash refund on eligible R&D spend

  • Clear eligibility assessment before development begins

  • Technical documentation structured for compliance

  • 99% success rate for eligible applicants we have supported

  • Ongoing support for audits, compliance and future claims

What we provide

How we can help

Navigating the R&D Tax Incentive can be complex. Spritely makes it simple, with a proven track record helping businesses maximise claims and streamline applications.

  • Eligibility assessment

    We review your project against R&DTI guidelines to confirm whether it qualifies, and where the strongest claim opportunities sit.

  • Strategic documentation

    We work with you to capture the technical justifications, experiments and cost breakdowns reviewers expect to see.

  • Claim preparation & submission

    Applications are structured correctly to meet compliance and regulatory requirements, reducing rework and risk.

  • Software & AI project framing

    Custom software, AI models, automation and technology-driven builds are framed clearly around technical uncertainty and systematic experimentation.

  • Cost mapping

    Eligible activities and expenditure are mapped so your claim reflects the real investment in research and development.

  • Ongoing support

    We assist with audits, compliance checks and future-year claims so benefits continue as your product roadmap evolves.

What is the R&D Tax Incentive?

The R&DTI is designed to encourage Australian companies to invest in research and development activities by offering a tax offset on eligible R&D expenses. This means businesses can recover a significant portion of their investment in software, AI, automation, and technology-driven projects.

Our approach

Our R&DTI process

A clear path from first conversation to a compliant, well-supported claim.

  1. 01

    Eligibility assessment

    We review your project to confirm it qualifies under R&DTI guidelines, and identify the activities most likely to support a strong claim.

  2. 02

    Strategic documentation

    Our team works with you to capture technical justifications, hypotheses, experiments and cost breakdowns in the language reviewers expect.

  3. 03

    Claim preparation & submission

    We structure the application correctly, meeting compliance and regulatory requirements before submission.

  4. 04

    Ongoing support

    We assist with audits, compliance checks and future R&D claims so you keep benefiting as development continues.

Who it's for

Who qualifies?

If your business is building custom software, integrating AI or exploring automation, you could be eligible for significant tax benefits.

Australian Pty Ltd companies

Australian-based businesses conducting R&D in Australia and keeping records of eligible activities and expenses.

New or improved technology

Companies developing new or improved software, AI models, automation systems or technology-driven products.

Technical uncertainty

Projects that involve solving technical uncertainties through systematic experimentation, not just routine software builds.

Pre-development planning

Teams that want eligibility clarity before committing budget, so funding outcomes can inform scope and sequencing.

Why Spritely

Why Spritely for R&D Tax Incentive applications

We combine deep software delivery experience with practical R&DTI process knowledge, so claims reflect real technical work, not generic templates.

Built by product people

We understand software R&D because we design and ship it. That makes technical narratives clearer and more credible.

Eligibility before spend

We help you assess fit early so funding potential can inform how you plan the build, not just how you claim after the fact.

Compliance-first structure

Documentation is organised around what assessors need: activities, uncertainties, experiments and eligible costs.

Proven outcomes

Grants have been awarded to 99% of eligible applicants we have supported, with ongoing help when questions arise.

Get in touch to check your eligibility.

Find out whether your software project qualifies for the R&D Tax Incentive, and how much funding you could unlock.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about r&d tax incentive applications

Still deciding on scope or stack? Get in touch →

What is the R&D Tax Incentive?

The R&DTI is an Australian government program that offers a tax offset on eligible research and development expenses. Businesses can recover a significant portion of investment in software, AI, automation and other technology-driven projects, often up to 43.5% depending on eligibility.

Who is eligible for the R&D Tax Incentive?

Typically Australian-based Pty Ltd companies conducting R&D in Australia. Projects usually need to involve new or improved technology and genuine technical uncertainty, with records of activities and costs. We assess fit against current guidelines before recommending a claim path.

Can software development qualify as R&D?

Yes, when the work involves systematic investigation to resolve technical uncertainties, not only routine coding or configuration. Custom software, AI models and automation systems often qualify when framed and documented correctly.

When should we talk to you, before or after development?

Ideally before or early in development. Early assessment helps you capture the right evidence as you build. We can also support claims for work already underway when records and technical narratives can still be assembled properly.

What does Spritely do in the application process?

We assess eligibility, help document technical justifications and costs, prepare the claim structure for compliance, and support submission. We also assist with follow-up questions, audits and future-year claims.

What is your success rate?

Grants have been awarded to 99% of eligible applicants we have supported. Success still depends on genuine eligibility and complete documentation. We will tell you honestly if a project is unlikely to qualify.

Do you replace our accountant or tax agent?

We focus on the R&D activity narrative, technical documentation and claim readiness for software projects. We can work alongside your accountant or tax agent so financial lodgement and R&D substance stay aligned.

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