24 May 2023

Innovation is a crucial element for any successful business, but it can be challenging to bring new products, services or processes to the market, especially when faced with budget constraints. At FI Group, we understand the obstacles of creating something innovative, and we’re here to help you stretch your Research and Development (R&D) budget further by claiming back tax credits and relief from the government. 

Why claim R&D tax credits? 

If you’re a business wanting to grow and expand further, wether it is your products or processes, you may be eligible for R&D tax credits, which are tax incentives designed to encourage innovation and investment in R&D. By claiming these tax credits, you can receive a cash injection that can help you continue investing in R&D, especially if you’re a small or medium-sized business that lacks access to large amounts of capital. Additionally, R&D tax credits can help you offset your tax bill

Who can claim R&D tax credits? 

Many businesses in various sectors, from technology and manufacturing to healthcare and agriculture, can claim R&D tax credits if they’re developing new products, services or processes intended to make an advance in science or technology. Additionally, they must be a Belgian taxpayer and have spent money on R&D. 

The Partial Wage Withholding Tax Exemption for Researchers 

If your company employs researchers in Belgium, you may be interested in taking advantage of the partial wage withholding tax exemption for researchers (WWT). This tax incentive can provide significant financial benefits while promoting innovation and research in your business. 

To help you make the most of this tax incentive, we’ve compiled some essential information about the partial wage withholding tax exemption for researchers in Belgium. We’ll also explore other tax benefits available for R&D activities and discuss compliance with Belgian tax regulations. 

Eligibility Criteria for the Tax Exemption 

The exemption is available for researchers who work in various fields, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The researcher must also be employed by an institution that carries out scientific research or development activities. 

The researchers must be directly involved in R&D activities, such as conducting experiments, analyzing data, or writing reports. Administrative or teaching tasks are not eligible for the exemption. 

Other Tax Benefits for R&D Activities  

Belgium offers several other tax incentives for R&D activities, including the investment tax deduction and the innovation income deduction

The investment tax deduction allows companies to deduct a percentage of their investments in R&D activities from their taxable income. The deduction can be up to 13.5% for large companies and up to 25% for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

The innovation income deduction allows companies to deduct 85% of their net income from certain intellectual property (IP) rights, such as patents and software copyrights, from their taxable income. To be eligible for the deduction, the company must own the IP rights and have incurred R&D expenses to develop them. 

How can FI Group help you claim R&D tax credits? 

At FI Group, our team of experienced R&D tax specialists can help you claim R&D tax credits by working with you to understand your project and determine your eligibility. We’ll then help you prepare and submit your claim to the government. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from identifying eligible costs and activities to providing technical reports and support during government inquiries. 

  • A team of experienced R&D tax specialists who can help you maximize your claim 
  • A success-based fee structure, so you only pay us if we’re successful in securing your tax credits 
  • Transparent terms of service with no hidden extras 
  • A proven track record of success, having helped businesses of all sizes claim millions of euros in R&D tax credits 
  • Ongoing support and advice to help you continue to innovate and grow your business. 

5 Questions to Ask If You Are About To Start Your R&D Adventure 

When it comes to innovation and Research and Development, companies need to stay ahead of the game to remain competitive. Working with an innovative and experienced consultancy like FI Group can help companies navigate the complex world of R&D tax credits and grants, as well as develop and implement new innovative projects. Here are five unique questions to ask : 

1.- How can FI Group help companies with international expansion?  

As businesses expand globally, they face new challenges and opportunities when it comes to R&D and innovation. An experienced consultancy like FI Group can provide valuable support in navigating the various tax credits and funding opportunities available in different countries. They can also help companies establish a strong R&D presence in new markets by providing guidance on local regulations and culture. 

2.- How can our experts help companies manage risks associated with innovation? 

Innovation is inherently risky, and companies need to manage these risks effectively to maximize their chances of success. FI Consultants can help companies identify and mitigate risks associated with innovation, from regulatory compliance to intellectual property protection. They can also provide guidance on how to balance short-term and long-term innovation goals. 

3.- How can FI Group help companies develop a culture of innovation? 

Innovation isn’t just about Research and Development projects and new product development. It’s also about creating a culture that fosters creativity and encourages new ideas. FI Group can provide guidance on how to develop a culture of innovation within an organization, from identifying key stakeholders to creating incentives for innovation. 

4.- How can our specialists help companies with sustainability and social responsibility?  

In today’s world, sustainability and social responsibility are increasingly important for companies in all industries. Our FI Experts can help companies identify opportunities for innovation that support these values, from developing new eco-friendly products to reducing waste and emissions in production processes. They can also provide guidance on how to communicate these efforts to stakeholders and consumers. 

5.- How can this R&D consultancy help companies stay ahead of emerging technologies and trends?  

Innovation is constantly evolving, and companies need to stay ahead of emerging technologies and trends to remain competitive. FI Group can provide valuable insights into the latest developments in their industry, from new materials and technologies to emerging markets and consumer trends. Our specialists can also help companies develop and implement strategies to stay ahead of the competition. 

To further encourage you to invest in R&D+I, our FI Group consultants help identify implement and maintain the necessary financial processes. We support you in understanding and intercepting the available R&D+I opportunities.    

Yvette Poumpalova

× How can I help you?