R+D Tax Credits – No love for Software Developers

I’ve had an opportunity to attend a few seminars on the R+D tax credit of late.  It doesn’t look like there’s going to be much love for software companies in this.  The credit is only to apply where something demonstrably novel has been created using a structured research process (NOTE: my interpretation, on what i’ve heard).  What this means is that the routine process of developing software is mostly ruled out.  However, if you systematically create something new (for example a new AI engine, or Crypto algorithm) then that part of the process is likely to apply.  I’m sure the IRD will approach each case with an open mind, but i doubt that much in the NZ software industry is likely to qualify or that the effort of implementing the systems and processes required to collect the 15% rebate will warrant the effort.