Find out what kinds of research and development work usually qualify for SR&ED and what paperwork you need to show.  You will find out what kinds of lab research, prototype designs, software tests, and process studies follow these rules.  If you want to make a strong case, you need to keep track of expert reports, lab notes, project plans, and time sheets.  Keeping your records in order will make the review go more smoothly.  This easy-to-follow guide will help you make your Sr and ed claim stronger.

Experiments Done by Hand

To try out new ideas for many projects, you run tests in a lab or workshop.  Some of the things that might be tested in these trials are materials, performance, and changes that happen in different situations.  You can show real growth by writing down results, challenges, and ways of doing things.  Always write down times, things you notice, and changes you make.  Your work is truly experimental if you keep clear lab notes and daily logs.

Tests of prototypes and processes

Making a prototype helps you find the best ways to improve your ideas.  To make things work better, you try shapes, sizes, or ways to put them together.  Process trials are used to find new ways to make things or keep track of how things are going over time.  Save sketched designs, test shots, and records of changes.  For every test, write down what you learned and why you changed something.  The work is shown here, step by step.

Tracking for Continuous Improvement

Write down every change you make and the reason you made it.  Keep new designs, test notes, and reports that have been changed.  Your work answers real problems if you can show progress over time.

Basics of Final Filing

Get all of your proofs together before you make your claim.  Project plans, lab notes, and cost records should all be matched with each experiment or trial.  Reviewers will be able to see how everything fits if you use clear labels and descriptions.  Don’t forget to connect costs to jobs and dates.  You have a better chance of getting a Sr and ed return quickly if your files are in order.

 To sum up, you make a strong case by focusing on hands-on tests, prototype trials, software checks, and clean records.  It is easy to review if your documents are clear and linked to each action.  Start using these tips right away to feel sure you’ll meet the requirements and get your prize.