SR&ED Consultant or Do It Yourself?
Small, simple claims can be prepared in-house with an accountant. Large, complex or first-time claims often benefit from a specialist. Either way, the technical ownership stays inside the company; no consultant can invent the evidence after the fact.
Should you use an SR&ED consultant?
Use a specialist when the claim is large, the work is complex, you’re claiming for the first time, you have multiple provinces or entities, or you expect a review. Smaller, simple claims with good records can be prepared with your accountant. In every case, the founder or CTO should own the technical story and the records.
How do SR&ED advisors charge?
| Fee model | How it works | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed fee | Agreed price for the claim | What’s included if CRA reviews the claim |
| Hourly | Billed for time spent | Estimates and caps |
| Contingency | A share of the credit received | The percentage, minimum fees and review support |
Ask for the full cost on a realistic claim size, including support during a review, before you sign.
What should you ask an advisor?
- Who will write the technical descriptions, and what is their background?
- How do you decide which projects to include, and what do you leave out?
- What records will you need from us, and when?
- Is support during a CRA review included?
- How do you handle provincial credits and assistance like IRAP?
- What happens to the fee if the claim is reduced?
What must stay in-house?
- Contemporaneous technical records and time tracking.
- The decision on which work is truly uncertain.
- Accuracy of every number and statement in the claim.
- Attendance by your engineers at any technical review.
The routine is on SR&ED documentation, and the review process on review and timeline.
Keep the technical ownership inside.
Advisors can structure and write the claim. Only your team can prove the work.
What does a good DIY claim need?
Clean Canadian payroll and accounting, time records by project, monthly SR&ED records, clear answers to the three project questions, and an accountant to prepare the return and schedules. Start with the T661 claim process, and consider pre-claim approval for a large new project. CRA’s service standards apply either way.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an SR&ED consultant?
Not always. Large, complex or first-time claims often benefit from one; simple claims can be prepared with an accountant.
How much do SR&ED consultants charge?
Fixed, hourly or contingency fees. Compare the full cost, including support during a review.
Is a contingency fee for SR&ED a good idea?
It can align incentives, but check the percentage, minimums and what happens if CRA reduces the claim.
Can I file SR&ED myself?
Yes. With good records and an accountant, many small companies prepare their own claims.
Who is responsible for an SR&ED claim?
The company that files it, even if an advisor prepared it.
What should my team keep even if we use a consultant?
Technical records, time tracking, project decisions and participation in any CRA review.
Sources & further reading
Standards and platform rules change. These sources let you verify the current requirements directly. All screens shown are mock-ups of fictional products.