FAQ’S

What is SR&ED?

SRED (pronounced “shred”)  stands for Scientific Research & Experimental Development. It’s a federal tax credit that rewards Canadian businesses for doing cool, innovative, brainy stuff—like solving tech problems, building new systems, or experimenting with better ways to do things.  You don’t need a lab coat (or a black belt)—just a solid attempt at tackling uncertainty with smarts and skill. Even if your idea flopped, you could still get $$ back. Think of it as Canada’s way of bowing in respect to your R&D hustle.

How do I know if I qualify for SRED?

If your business is building custom solutions, improving processes, developing tech, or experimenting to solve tricky problems—you might be doing work that qualifies for SRED. Eligible projects span various industries, from AI innovations to tire recycling and food preservation and beyond.  You don’t need to be a scientist or have a fancy lab. If there’s trial, error, and innovation involved, it’s worth exploring.

The easiest way to find out? Just reach out. We offer free consultations where we walk through what you’ve been working on and let you know if it’s a fit. No pressure, no jargon—just straight answers.

How much can I get back?

Depending on the province you operate in, eligible corporations can receive a refundable tax credit ranging from 50% to 64% of qualifying expenditures. These may include salaries, subcontractor fees, and materials consumed or transformed during R&D activities. The exact amount varies based on location and business structure, and claims must be submitted within firm deadlines.

Can I do my SR&ED tax credit application on my own?

Yes—you can tackle your SR&ED claim solo. In fact, we’ve even created a full step-by-step guide to help you do it. But we’ll be real: the process is complex, the rules are fuzzy, and the deadlines are strict. Getting it right takes time, clarity, and a whole lot of documentation. That’s why most businesses end up calling in the pros. A good SR&ED partner doesn’t just save you time—they help you avoid costly mistakes and make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.

What sets SRED.ca SR&ED aside from other SRED companies?

We’re not just SR&ED experts—we genuinely love this space and the innovators in it. Whether you’re building code, solving tough problems, or improving how things work, we’re here for it. SRED.ca is the only firm in Canada with a guarantee: if your claim isn’t approved for at least 75%, you don’t pay. We were the first to publish our pricing (transparency matters), and our team stays small on purpose—so you get real, responsive support. Our quarterly audit-ready reports and ongoing documentation system keep you organized, compliant, and always ready to claim. Let’s make sure you get every dollar you deserve.

How does SRED.ca SR&ED ensure claims are well-documented?

Think of our system as your claim’s personal lab notebook—meticulously crafted and maintained all year long. Our expert duo (a CTO with tech wizardry and a CPA with a penchant for precision) built a documentation approach that tracks every technical challenge, project milestone, and breakthrough discovery as it happens.

We keep custom technical diaries, schedule regular interviews to capture insights in real-time, and prepare audit-ready reports so that when the CRA comes knocking, your claim is defended with confidence and clarity. It’s all about making sure your innovative work is presented in the best, most organized way possible.

What is SARA (SR&ED Audit-Ready Analysis)?

SARA is a quarterly report we provide clients with that evaluates your claim with a traffic light assessment, identifies project strength, team leads, and provides an estimated SR&ED tax credit amount—helping you stay audit-ready and make informed decisions.

What is the SRED.ca SR&ED Guarantee?

SRED.ca SR&ED is the ONLY firm in Canada that offers a guarantee: If your claim isn’t approved for at least 75% of its filed value, we waive our fee—no questions asked! This ensures zero financial risk for our clients.  No risk, all reward.

What are the conditions of the SR&ED Guarantee?

To qualify for the guarantee:

  • The entire claim must be prepared by SRED.ca SR&ED—any portion prepared by a third party is not covered.
  • Claims must be started at least 6 months before the fiscal year-end.
  • Clients must actively participate in the process and follow the engagement letter guidelines.
  • External CRA decisions (e.g., determining a company is not a CCPC) are not covered under the guarantee.

How does the 75% guarantee work in real scenarios?

If we file a claim for $100K in tax credits and the CRA approves at least $75K, our standard flat fee applies.
If the CRA approves less than 75%, we waive our fee entirely—ensuring no financial risk to you.

What happens with the guarantee if my SR&ED claim is audited?

If the CRA audits and initially reduces your claim below 75%, we actively challenge their determination. If we cannot get the approved amount above 75%, we do not charge any fees.

What if my SR&ED claim gets audited?

First off — don’t panic. SR&ED reviews (aka audits) are more common than most people think, and getting selected doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. It just means the CRA wants a closer look at the claim to make sure everything lines up.

The good news? We’ve got your back. At SRED.ca SR&ED, audit support is part of the package. We help you prepare your technical and financial documentation, coach you on what to expect, and (if needed) join the CRA meeting with you. We speak fluent CRA, so we can translate all that tax talk into plain English and make sure your project is understood the way it should be.

Basically: we’re with you every step of the way, so you can stress less and innovate more!

How can I get started with SRED.ca SR&ED?

It’s super easy!  It all starts with a free, no-obligation consultation where we chat about your work, check your SR&ED eligibility, and walk you through how we can help. No pressure, no jargon—just a straightforward convo to see if we’re a good fit.

If you’re doing cool, innovative stuff (and we’re betting you are), let’s make sure you’re getting every tax credit you deserve. Reach out today and let’s get the ball rolling!

Maximized Claims.
Audit-Ready Returns.

Let’s get in touch. We can go over your current claim or provide guidance on how you can be SR&ED ready for your next venture. Whatever stage you are at, we are happy to engage. Whatever you need, we’ll make sure we provide everything you need to know to make an informed decision.