On this page

• What you need to know first
• Information for first-time claimants
• When to claim the investment tax credit
• What forms to use

What you need to know first

Before you can begin the application process to claim the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) investment tax credit (ITC), you need to:

• identify what work is eligible
• complete the required forms
• calculate your SR&ED expenditures
• calculate your qualified SR&ED ITC's
• keep technical and financial information to support your claim

Provincial and territorial tax incentives

Provincial and territorial tax incentives may also be available for your qualified SR&ED expenditures. The following provinces and territory currently offer a tax credit program for R&D:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut
• PEI

Contact your provincial or territorial tax authority to determine whether the tax credits are still available or see Summary of provincial and territorial research and development (R&D) tax credits.

Information for first-time claimants

If you're claiming for the first time and you're not sure if you can claim the credit, use our Self-Assessment and Learning Tool (SALT). SALT will help you understand if your project (or a portion of your project) may qualify as SR&ED.

After you claim, you may also be selected to receive our First-Time Claimant Advisory Service, which will provide tailored SR&ED information and recommendations.

You can also contact us with any questions you have about claiming the SR&ED ITCs.

When to claim the investment tax credit

You must report the SR&ED expenditures and submit your ITC claim no later than 12 months after your business, corporation or trust income tax return is due.

For more information on the SR&ED reporting deadlines see the SR&ED Filing Requirements Policy.

What forms to use

Corporations

To claim an ITC, use:

• Form T661 Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Expenditures Claim
• Schedule T2SCH31, Investment Tax Credit – Corporations

Individuals

To claim an ITC, use:

• Form T661 Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Expenditures Claim
• Form T2038(IND), Investment Tax Credit – Individuals

Make sure to keep all information that supports the work and expenditures claimed.