Did you know 91% of the 21,524 SR&ED claims filed in 2023 were approved, with another 6% accepted after modifications? That’s an impressive success rate, but it doesn’t happen by accident. Getting your SR&ED claim approved comes down to solid documentation with detailed technological descriptions, accurate tracking, and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) compliance.
That’s where SR&ED consultants come in. They manage everything from filing to audit support, and some even offer financing solutions so you don’t have to wait months for your refund. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 13 of the best SR&ED tax credit consultants in Canada, what they offer, and how to pick the right one for your business.
What Is SR&ED?
The Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) program represents one of Canada’s largest tax incentive initiatives. It supports businesses developing new products, improving processes, or solving technical challenges through refundable and non-refundable tax credits.
Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations (CCPCs) receive a 35% refundable tax credit on the first $3 million of eligible expenditures and 15% non-refundable beyond that. Non-CCPCs receive 15% non-refundable credits. The initiative encourages innovation and global competitiveness.
Why You Need an SR&ED Tax Credit Consultant
The SR&ED program offers significant financial benefits, but it also requires technical expertise and strict CRA compliance. Here’s why working with a consultant matters:
- Expertise in handling regulations: SR&ED consultants reduce errors and increase approval chances by ensuring your R&D activities align with CRA standards.
- Maximizing claims: They identify missed eligible expenses that businesses often overlook, helping you claim every dollar you’re owed.
- Audit support: If the CRA challenges your claim, consultants provide documentation and defense strategies to protect your refund.
13 SR&ED Tax Credit Consultants in Canada
1. Emergex SR&ED Consultants
Some SR&ED consultants treat your claim like just another tax form. But Emergex doesn’t. With a 96% historical success rate and a team of PhDs, engineers, and tax experts, they take a technical-first approach. Their team dives deep into your R&D work to identify qualifying projects, structure technical descriptions, and prepare documentation that meets CRA’s strict criteria.
If the CRA challenges your claim, Emergex is ready with audit support and defense strategies to protect your refund. They also train your team to improve tracking R&D activities so future claims become easier and more valuable — something unique, as not many consultants think about building their clients’ internal processes.
2. RDP Associates
How sure are you that you’re claiming every dollar of SR&ED tax credit you deserve? If there’s any doubt, RDP Associates is the partner you need to secure the full cash refund you deserve.
With over 30 years of experience, they’ve helped thousands of Canadian businesses discover hidden SR&ED opportunities. Their proprietary Innovation Connection Program (ICP) maximizes SR&ED claims while minimizing staff time. The SR&ED Maximizer Checklist has uncovered additional eligible expenses in 80% of the cases they review in just 1.5 to 2 hours.
3. PSB Boisjoli
Filing for SR&ED tax credits sounds straightforward until documentation, technical reports, and CRA requirements complicate matters. PSB Boisjoli steps in with 75+ years of experience, knowing how to get claims approved without unnecessary delays.
Their process involves deep analysis of R&D work, proper claim structuring, and ensuring no dollars are overlooked. If CRA questions arise, PSB Boisjoli provides audit support and direct negotiations, so you can avoid government red tape.
4. Belmonte Leger SEP
Most SR&ED consultants focus on filing claims, but Belmonte Leger goes further. With 30 years of hands-on experience, they maximize SR&ED refunds while providing SR&ED tax credit training so your team knows how to track and document R&D activities effectively.
Their accreditation by Emploi Quebec sets them apart. They build claims to withstand CRA scrutiny from the start through pre-claim consultation and tax planning services. They provide first-time claimant advisory services, walking you through eligibility requirements, documentation best practices, and CRA expectations in detail.
5. ProfitScience
With a 99% success rate, $200M+ in claims filed, and 30+ years of experience, ProfitScience knows how to get SR&ED tax credits approved. Their biggest strength involves deep analysis of supporting expenditures — costs that don’t directly meet CRA’s technical SR&ED criteria but remain eligible when tied to R&D work. These can account for up to 50% of a claim, though other consultants often overlook them.
ProfitScience sets up internal tracking processes after first claims at no extra charge, ensuring proper documentation for future claims that are more defensible in CRA audits.
6. R&D Capital
Waiting on SR&ED refunds slows projects, delays hiring, and creates cash flow headaches. R&D Capital takes a unique approach by giving you access to your refundable credit upfront, allowing you to continue innovating without financial bottlenecks.
They’ve helped 2,500+ companies and disbursed over $300 million. Once your SR&ED claim is approved, they advance a portion of the tax credit, even on future claims.
7. Canadian SR&ED
Canadian SR&ED charges no upfront consulting fees — you only pay a small percentage of what you’ve already received. Their success is literally tied to yours, so they fight to secure every dollar you’re owed.
They offer a free initial review that examines your R&D activities to identify every potential claimable expense. If they accept your claim, they guarantee solid paperwork, reduced audit risks, and maximum refunds.
8. Coincide Canada
Most SR&ED consultants file your claim and move on. Coincide takes a deeper approach, validating your R&D work for qualifying projects, documenting development expenses properly, and building claims that hold up under CRA scrutiny. They handle technical and financial reporting and CRA audits.
Unlike others, Coincide offers year-round support beyond just filing time, with ongoing training and hands-on support so your team learns effective SR&ED cost tracking and recording for smoother future claims.
9. SR&ED Funding Consultants (SFC)
While most SR&ED consultants focus only on Canadian businesses, SFC helps U.S. companies set up Canadian operations to leverage one of the world’s best R&D tax credit programs. They manage accounting, tax filings, and directorship services.
With over 50 years of combined experience, they offer end-to-end support including claim scoping, preparation, CRA reviews, and even appeals if needed. Their SR&ED tax credit calculator lets you instantly estimate potential returns before starting the process.
10. G6 Consulting
SR&ED feels like a maze with tons of eligibility rules, technical reports, CRA compliance, and audit risks. G6 Consulting takes all that off your plate. With over 12 years of experience and thousands of successful claims, they don’t just file — they build, defend, and maximize your refund.
Their team handles everything in-house, meaning no outsourcing or miscommunications. For complex claims, cross-border SR&ED, or startups navigating investor funding, their collaboration with specialized accounting and legal partners makes them a solid choice.
11. Ryan LLC
Ryan LLC are the fixers, the optimizers, and the power players when it comes to maximizing R&D tax credits. Their engineers, scientists, and tax professionals dig deep into your projects to uncover hidden eligible expenses for maximum returns.
Their proprietary documentation system, powered by Dovico software, keeps your records airtight for CRA scrutiny. They’re known for cleaning up messy claims, rebuilding CRA credibility, and defending botched claims by other firms. For companies operating globally, they handle cross-border SR&ED, managing Canadian, U.S., and European R&D tax credits.
12. Venbridge
Like R&D Capital, Venbridge specializes in SR&ED financing but offers total flexibility. You can receive a lump sum, set quarterly disbursements, or draw funds as needed, paying interest only on amounts you’ve used.
Their automated system makes applications effortless, and streamlined due diligence ensures funds hit your account within just a few weeks.
13. Checkpoint Research
One misstep in SR&ED claims means leaving thousands unclaimed. Checkpoint Research prevents this through a structured “checkpoints” system ensuring every claim aspect is strategic, maximized, and backed with solid documentation.
They handle everything from eligibility assessments of development activities to documentation and review prep. Their “Double Check” service guarantees you aren’t missing valuable tax credits. Checkpoint rejects cookie-cutter approaches, instead tailoring services to fit your business, industry, and specific funding needs.
How to Choose the Right Consultant
Picking the right SR&ED consultant can make or break your claim. Here are the key factors to consider:
- Experience and track record: A consultant’s success rate speaks volumes about their expertise and history of securing maximum refunds for businesses like yours.
- Industry specialization: Different sectors have unique R&D challenges. Look for consultants who understand your field.
- Fee structure: Whether it’s contingency fees, flat rates, or hourly fees, make sure the structure aligns with your budget and claim complexity.
- Client testimonials and references: Online feedback and references from past clients help gauge a consultant’s effectiveness and reliability.
Do I Really Need a Consultant?
Some companies outsource to U.S. or overseas consultants who lack deep CRA knowledge, while others try to manage claims in-house despite SR&ED documentation being challenging. There’s a middle ground.
Chrono Platform bridges this gap through AI technology that captures eligible R&D activities, performs real-time accrual tracking, and generates CRA-compliant reports with proper time tracking and expense categorization.
It connects with Jira, Asana, Slack, Google Calendar, Office 365, and 10+ tools to pull real-time data and keep your R&D records organized and structured. Whether you work with a consultant or handle things in-house, Chrono makes the process 8x faster.
Stop guessing, start claiming — automate your SR&ED with Chrono today!