Why the “Growth Booster” is also an Innovation Booster
Getting more out of innovation: leveraging the research allowance & 2025 tax reform in your company
With the “Growth Booster” adopted in summer 2025, the German government has not only initiated a tax reform, but also sent a strong economic policy signal. At its core are tax incentives for investment, digital infrastructure, and the long-term viability of businesses.
A key focus is the significantly expanded tax incentive for research and development (R&D) via the Forschungszulage – a central instrument to strengthen innovation in Germany.
Companies investing in new technologies, processes, services, or products now benefit substantially more – both from a tax perspective and strategically. The R&D tax credit, already a proven support mechanism, is being significantly expanded as part of the investment package.
The message is clear: Germany is betting on innovation and on companies willing to think boldly and take risks.
The Research Allowance: What’s Changing in 2025 and Why It Matters
Since its introduction in 2020, the research allowance has enabled companies of all sizes to receive direct relief for their research and development expenses. The allowance functions as a form of tax credit, based on both a preliminary application process (application to the Certification Office for the Research Allowance – BSFZ) and a retroactive claim through the tax return for up to four years. This alone has been a major advantage for companies with a strong internal focus on innovation.
With the 2025 “Growth Booster,” the research allowance will become even more attractive: the maximum assessment base will increase from €10 million to €12 million per company per year, meaning that even more R&D expenses can be funded in the future. At the same time, a flat 20% surcharge for overhead costs will be introduced to account for other types of project expenses in a streamlined, non-bureaucratic way.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, this regulation – alongside the SME bonus – represents a significant improvement. But large companies with complex projects will also see a clear increase in the tax leverage effect.
Eligible Projects: More Than Just Labs and Patents
Many companies underestimate what qualifies as “research and development” under the R&D tax credit. It’s not limited to basic scientific research or high-tech laboratories. Internal developments, process innovations, digital platforms, new IT solutions, advanced industrializations, and new products may all be eligible – provided they are technologically challenging, novel in character, and systematically pursued using an innovative approach.
Notably, projects that have failed or did not secure funding via traditional programs such as ZIM or Horizon Europe can still be retroactively rewarded through the R&D tax credit. This makes it a crucial tool for innovation financing, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
The Growth Booster Delivers Additional Tax Incentives for Investment and Digitalization
Beyond the research allowance, the 2025 Growth Booster offers a range of tax incentives. Companies looking to strengthen their innovative capacity through new machinery, production facilities, or electric vehicles will benefit from accelerated depreciation options.
From July 2025, declining-balance depreciation for movable fixed assets will amount to up to 30% per year and will apply to new acquisitions until the end of 2027. For newly acquired electric vehicles, the special depreciation rate will even reach 75% in the year of purchase.
In addition, corporate income tax for corporations will be gradually reduced from the current 15% in 2028 to just 10% by 2032. For partnerships and sole proprietorships, relief on retained earnings will be provided, lowering the current effective rate from around 30% to 25% by 2032.
These measures have an impact on multiple levels: they create liquidity, strengthen investment readiness, and improve international competitiveness.
EPSA Germany: Turning Potential into Real Impact
As comprehensive as these tax measures are, their impact depends on whether companies recognize and fully exploit the right opportunities. This is where EPSA Germany comes in. As a specialist in tailored, 360° funding strategies, EPSA supports companies in unlocking the full potential of the R&D tax credit – from project analysis and application drafting to the secure, maximized tax claim.
Our interdisciplinary team checks whether projects meet eligibility criteria, prepares robust technical project descriptions, and manages the entire application process to ensure tax benefits are both compliant and optimized. We also identify possible combinations with investment grants, innovation loans, and regional programs – creating a holistic funding strategy that drives growth and progress without overburdening resources.
EPSA stands for more than just the R&D tax credit. We stand for systematic innovation financing that delivers a return – today and in the years ahead.
Source: https://de.epsa.com