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What are the importance of Research and Development (R & D) Plans in connection with the R& D Tax Incentive?

Section 39KA of the Industry Research and Development Act 1986 allows for Guidelines for Research and Development Plans 2001. The Plan must be separated into 2 parts.

Part A - R & D Plan Authorisation and

Part B - R & D Project Plan.

The main requirements / components of the plan are as follows:

Part A Must include the following:

1. List of all R & D Projects proposed to be undertaken by the company

2. A description of the strategic business objective of the company

3. A description of how each R & D project supports that objective;

Part B There must be a R & D Project Plan for each project listed which should detail at a minimum  the following:

4. Title of the project;

5. The name of the project manager;

6. The date when the plan is prepared / updated;

7. Reason for undertaking the project and how the project will enhance the     commercial success of the company;

8. A brief description of any preliminary work undertaken before the     commencement of the project;

9. A Statement of technical objectives or specific technical aim of the project;

10. Description of how results of the project are to be implemented /     commercialized;

11. Statement of the scope of the project including: starting dates, finishing dates, timelines; and

12.Statement of resources allocated to the project, including budgets etc.