SR&ED: New Rules, New Opportunities
The most significant changes to the SR&ED investment tax credit in over a decade. Higher limits, expanded access, and capital equipment back on the table.
David Hearn
12:00 – 2:30 PM ET
From the doubled expenditure limit and expanded phase-out thresholds through capital equipment eligibility, public corporation access, and maximization strategies. Covers the complete post-reform SR&ED with worked examples throughout. Includes a live Q&A at the close of session.
What We’ll Cover
The post-reform changes, worked through from mechanics to maximization.
Canada’s 2025 federal budget introduced the most consequential changes to the SR&ED program in over a decade. The expenditure limit doubled, the phase-out thresholds expanded, capital equipment became eligible again, and for the first time, certain Canadian-resident public corporations can now access the 35% refundable rate. Many clients who were previously excluded now qualify. This session works through every change systematically, with examples, so you can identify the opportunities.
Questions we’ll work through
Your client’s taxable capital is $60 million. Under the old rules they were locked out of the 35% rate. Does that change now?
A CCPC can now choose between the taxable capital test and the three-year average revenue test each year. Which one should your client use?
A client bought equipment after December 16, 2024. Some is used 100% in R&D, some 60%, some 40%. What qualifies and at what rate?
A TSX-listed company with Canadian-resident founders is doing significant R&D. Could they now be entitled to the 35% refundable ITC?
A client’s team is developing a new algorithm. How does CRA determine whether it constitutes SR&ED? What is the five-question test?
Which employee costs qualify, and how do the specified employee rules affect owner-operators taking salary versus dividends?
How should a claim be filed, what documentation does CRA expect, and what are the most common reasons claims are reduced or disallowed on audit?
What practical steps should CPAs take before year-end to preserve eligibility and ensure nothing is left on the table?
The SR&ED reforms enacted through Budget 2025 and Bill C-15 represent real money for clients who qualify and didn’t before. This session gives you the complete post-reform knowledge so you can identify opportunities, prepare stronger claims, and defend them. Recording included for all who sign up.
SR&ED: New Rules, New Opportunities
May 20, 2026 · Michael Cadesky & David Hearn
Common scenarios covered
A well-funded CCPC that was previously locked out of the 35% rate due to taxable capital
A client who bought R&D equipment after December 2024 and is not sure whether it qualifies
An owner-operator taking dividends rather than salary from a CCPC doing significant R&D
A TSX-listed company with Canadian-resident founders asking whether they can access SR&ED credits
A client filing an SR&ED claim supported by documentation assembled at year-end, not in real time
A client doing qualifying R&D work who has never made an SR&ED claim
Meet Your Presenters
Michael Cadesky
Michael Cadesky is the managing partner at Cadesky Tax and a committed contributor to the tax and accounting professions since 1980, earning the title of Fellow from CPA Ontario. He is a past governor of the Canadian Tax Foundation, past chair of STEP Canada and STEP Worldwide, and past chair of the CPA Canada Tax Committee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Michael is also the co-author of 11 books on tax subjects and the author or co-author of numerous papers and articles.
David Hearn
David Hearn is a senior expert on Canada’s SR&ED tax credit program. Since 1993, he has led hundreds of successful claim filings. His expertise spans CRA negotiations, audits and appeals, Tax Court support, and expert witness testimony. A published author on R&D tax credits, his industry bulletins on SR&ED developments appear at www.Scitax.com.
FAQ
Common questions about registration, access, and CPD.
How long do I have access?
You will have access to the content and materials for 365 days.
Does the seminar provide CPD?
Yes. Upon completion, you will receive a verifiable CPD certificate indicating all instructional learning hours and required details.
What’s included with my registration?
Live broadcast access, interactive Q&A with the presenters, slides with detailed notes, a curated resource list, and 365 days access to the full recording and materials. The recording is typically available within one to two days of the session.
How do I join the live seminar?
The broadcast takes place on our platform, which you get instant access to after registration. You will also receive email notifications with all the important links ahead of the session date.