The New SR&ED Client Portal: Is It Enough?
Background
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced in a media release it has introduced a new Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Client Portal to make applying for SR&ED tax credits easier. According to the release, the portal gives businesses a simple, centralized way to submit claims, track their progress, and access helpful resources. To boost efficiency and support innovation, the CRA has also integrated the portal into the My Business Account platform. For more information on these updates, refer to the CRA’s official media release. 1
New SR&ED Client Portal (My Business Account)
The Client Portal features a pre-claim workbook equipped with tools and support that allow you to write project descriptions and determine SR&ED expenditures, so you are better prepared to complete Form T661 Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Expenditures Claim.2
To enhance accessibility and usability, the CRA introduced a suite of new tools. These tools have evolved over recent years, enabling businesses and individuals to manage SR&ED claims with greater autonomy. For example, the portal now includes SR&ED-specific workbooks.
The workbook allows you to:
- Save your progress and return at a later time
- Request assistance from an SR&ED specialist
- Access key SR&ED program information3
Additionally, the CRA has improved the My Business Account user interface, focusing on better navigation and overall experience. Updates include revisions to the Self-Assessment and Learning Tool, which is accessible here.4 For further details, see About My Business Account.5
SR&ED Portal Interface Overview
The SR&ED claim process in the Client Portal is designed to be straightforward. When you open the form (found under Corporate Income Tax > RC0001), you will see an informational textbox that explains the information you need to provide. To make it easier to fill out, the form is broken into smaller sections. However, the overall complexity of the process hasn’t really changed. While the layout helps reduce mental effort, the system still follows a step-by-step format with minimal contextual guidance. This means it doesn’t address common questions or provide additional clarifications as you work through it.
But what does it look like?
Before you begin to fill out the form, you are given the opportunity to go over documentation to help you prepare. Below are the pages you are shown before you begin to create your workbook.
Once you have had an opportunity to read through the information, you will then be able to create your workbook.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths:
- The portal clearly outlines the required project and expenditure data before users begin the claim process.
Limitations:
- Despite its structure, users must still compile extensive documentation, including detailed expenditure breakdowns and manual calculations. This can be time-consuming and overwhelming for less experienced users.
- The system offers minimal guidance during form completion and lacks automated assistance to address common questions or issues.
- Most companies only allow their CEO or accountants to access their My Business Account. The CRA provides articles to help keep your accounts safe such as this release on how to Protect your CRA account, which includes minimizing access – which limits who can access the portal. 6
In its current form, the SR&ED claim process remains challenging for many users. Substantial gaps in the user interface and functionality hinder a seamless experience.
Conclusion
While the new SR&ED portal introduces improvements in design and navigation, several critical user experience challenges remain. The CRA has not yet fully addressed issues that complicate the SR&ED tax credit application, particularly regarding the understanding of necessary documentation and complex requirements.
Currently, companies only allow certain individuals to access and contribute information. Adding a feature to allow more members of your team to contribute information and oversight could allow for more accurate reporting. This would require a layer of role based access and permissions that would need to be managed at the CEO and above level.
For users struggling to complete SR&ED claims independently, SR&ED consultants like The InGenuity Group can add significant value. A qualified consultant can assist throughout the process, from form preparation to submission, and help navigate the SR&ED program’s complexities. Another great source for information on SR&ED is our website SR&ED Education and Resources and articles like How to choose the right SR&ED consultant for you.