Challenges and solutions for companies when applying for the research grant
When the topic of the growth opportunities act or, more specifically, the research allowance arises, the first point of contact is often the trusted tax consultancy. However, experience has shown that traditional tax advisors have little expertise in the area of R&D funding and therefore often pass the task on to cooperating funding consultants.
Why funding consultants are often indispensable for the research allowance
The research allowance is an interdisciplinary endeavor, making it a bureaucratic, commercial, and technical challenge for companies that requires expert knowledge. Many entrepreneurs shy away from applying for the research allowance on their own because it often involves a significant time investment, expertise, and bureaucracy. Companies that apply for the research allowance independently can easily spend up to 20 man-days on the process, including the necessary familiarization with the topic, without any guarantee that the applications will be submitted securely and approved.
A typical research allowance team should consist of a business professional, a tax expert, and a technical employee with R&D funding experience. Additionally, all relevant project managers must provide content support to the research allowance team and should have their working hours retrospectively entered electronically. Otherwise, the documentation process becomes even more complicated, and the risk of making a mistake increases.
Audit security and the role of the BSFZ and the tax office
It is essential to ensure audit security. In the context of the research allowance, the certification office for research allowances (BSFZ) may order technical project audits, or the tax office may conduct financial audits. If the documentation is not done correctly or conscientiously, this could lead to uncomfortable repayment demands even years later. In such cases, traditional tax consultancies often do not have the necessary expertise and refer the matter to specialized funding consultants for defense in audit cases.
Efficient application process with experienced funding consultants
Given the required expertise, the effort involved, and the risk of failure, many entrepreneurs opt for a competent funding consultant when applying for the research allowance. With professional help, companies can reduce internal effort to a maximum of 3 man-days and, in most cases, have a success guarantee in the service contract, which protects against uncomfortable fee demands.
In the context of the research allowance or other funding programs, we recommend working with an experienced funding consultant to be more efficient in the application process, maximize returns, and protect against uncomfortable audits by the BSFZ or tax office.
Head of Business Development
At EPSA, we understand the complexity and challenges associated with applying for the research allowance. Our experienced funding consultants specialize in guiding companies through this demanding process, maximizing the chances of success. Don’t rely on the risks and uncertainties of self-applications. Contact us today and let’s work together to ensure that your applications are submitted securely and successfully. Trust the expertise of EPSA – your strategic partner for efficient and secure R&D funding. More Informations