Question 1

What is SR&ED?

Accepted Answer

SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) is a federal tax incentive program administered by the CRA. It rewards Canadian businesses for developing new products, processes, or technologies, or improving existing ones. It's one of the most generous R&D tax programs in the world, and most eligible companies aren't claiming it.

Question 2

Do I have to be a tech company to qualify?

Accepted Answer

No. SR&ED applies to any industry where you're solving technical problems: manufacturing, agriculture, food production, construction, software, and more. If you encountered a technical uncertainty and worked to resolve it, your industry doesn't matter.

Question 3

Do I need to have succeeded at what I was trying to build?

Accepted Answer

No. SR&ED rewards the attempt, not the outcome. If you tried something, hit technical roadblocks, and had to iterate or pivot, that work is often exactly what the CRA is looking for. Failed experiments can be your strongest eligible work.

Question 4

How do I know if I qualify?

Accepted Answer

The best way to find out is to start the interview. Agent Bob, our AI interviewer, will assess your work against CRA eligibility criteria in real time throughout the entire conversation. If Agent Bob determines there is no eligible work, the platform will not allow you to proceed to payment. This isn't a disclaimer. It's built into how the product works. We don't let you pay for a claim we can't prepare, and we don't prepare claims we can't defend.

Question 5

Can I claim SR&ED for work I already did last year?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can file SR&ED claims for work done in prior tax years, subject to filing deadlines. Generally you have 18 months from your fiscal year end to file. If you've never claimed before, there may be prior years worth recovering.

Question 6

Can I claim SR&ED if I used contractors or freelancers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with conditions. Work performed by arm's length contractors is eligible at 80% of the cost. Work done outside Canada has limitations. Agent Bob will walk you through your specific situation during the interview.

Question 7

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

A flat $500 per claim. Each project is a separate claim, so a two-project filing is $1,000, and so on. The price never scales with the size of your credits: $50,000 or $500,000 in ITCs on a project, it's still $500 for that claim. You only pay after you see your exact ITC estimate and choose to proceed.

Question 8

What do I get at the end?

Accepted Answer

A complete SR&ED claim package: T661 forms, CRA-ready technical narratives, supporting tax schedules, and a full audit-ready package with recommended responses to likely CRA questions.

Question 9

How is this different from hiring a consultant?

Accepted Answer

Traditional SR&ED consultants charge 15 to 30% of your recovered credits, require multiple meetings, and take weeks to deliver. SR&EDgpt charges a flat $500 per claim and works around your schedule. The AI has internalized every CRA policy document, eligibility guideline, and relevant court decision. In most cases, the depth of knowledge behind your claim exceeds what a traditional consultant brings to the table, at a fraction of the price.

Question 10

What if I get audited?

Accepted Answer

Every claim includes a free audit preparation package customized to your specific projects. You also have the option to book a 1-on-1 audit consultation call at no extra cost.

Question 11

Is my information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your data is stored securely and never shared with third parties. It is used solely to prepare your SR&ED claim.

Question 12

What if I'm not eligible?

Accepted Answer

SR&ED has strict eligibility criteria set by the CRA. If your work doesn't meet the bar, we'll tell you before you pay. We don't prepare claims that can't be defended. That protects you as much as it protects us.

Frequently Asked Questions