5 Benefits of Lodging Your R&DTI Claim Right Now

Every year, thousands of Australian businesses benefit from the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) — a government program offering up to 43.5% in tax offsets for eligible research and development activities. But many wait until the last minute to lodge their claim, which can slow cashflow, increase stress, and complicate tax lodgements.  

Whether you’ve claimed before or are exploring the R&DTI for the first time, FundFindrs is here to support you through the process, making it straightforward, simple and rewarding.

Early lodgement is the smart move and here are five reasons why.

 

1. Access cash sooner  
2. It’s easier to recall recent work
3. Make all your lodgements seamless
4. Avoid the seasonal bottlenecks 
5. It gives you time to focus on your business
6. FundFindrs makes it easy for everyone 

 

1. Access cash sooner  

The sooner you lodge, the sooner you access your refund. That’s real money you can reinvest into your business, whether it’s hiring staff, launching a new product, or strengthening your financial position. For businesses new to the R&DTI, this can be a powerful funding boost to fuel innovation and growth. 

 

2. It’s easier to recall recent work

Your R&D activities for FY25 took place between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. If you wait until the April 2026 deadline, that means you’ll be looking back nearly two years. Preparing now means the details are fresh, making it easier to gather accurate information and reducing the risk of missed or incomplete documentation. 

 

3. Make all your lodgements seamless

Your R&DTI Schedule and Company Tax Return (CTR) are separate but closely linked. Preparing your R&DTI claim early helps you or your accountant lodge your CTR with the correct R&D figures from the start. That means fewer amendments, less rework, and a smoother process for everyone involved. Even if you aren’t ready to submit your CTR yet, there are options available so you can still get the funding now.

We have partners who offer R&D loans, which are advances on your R&DTI refund, meaning you don’t have to wait until after you lodge your company tax return; you can access your refund and reinvest earlier. 

 

 

4. Avoid the seasonal bottlenecks 

There are two busy periods which can slow things down:

• December/January means summertime, when some of your key staff may be on leave. 

• March/April is when AusIndustry experiences peak R&DTI claim volumes because people didn’t get their claims in sooner.
  

 

5. It gives you time to focus on your business

Submitting your claim early gives you peace of mind, freeing up headspace to focus on your business. Instead of scrambling at the last minute, you’ll have confidence knowing your R&DTI refund is on its way — freeing up time and energy to focus on this year’s growth. 

 

 

6. FundFindrs makes it easy for everyone 

Whether you’ve claimed the R&DTI in the past, or you’re applying for the first time, FundFindrs supports you every step of the way to simplify what can often feel complex.

Our specialists work with you throughout the year to:  

1. Identify and define eligible R&D activities with precision and clarity.  
2. Strengthen documentation and evidence to support compliance.  
3. Review previous claims for missed or under-claimed opportunities.  
4. Provide guidance on structuring future projects for long-term benefit.  

This proactive, year-round partnership ensures your R&D claims are accurate, defensible, and optimised for value.

 

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Let’s get your R&DTI started now 

 If you’re ready to get your refund sooner and make next year’s claim easier, our team can help you start today. Click here to book a FREE consultation.