Tax Incentives for startups
Tax breaks for startups and R&D: credits, holidays and reduced rates. Most need a registered company and good records from day one.
Largest: Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS, §1202) (Exclude up to $15M (or 10× basis) of capital gains), R&D Tax Incentive (Refundable offset of 43.5% for small companies), SR&ED Tax Credit (Up to 35% refundable R&D tax credit). Available in United States, Australia, Canada, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, India.
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS, §1202)
Founders and early investors in US C-corps can exclude most or all capital gains on qualifying stock. Stock issued after 4 July 2025 gets 50%/75%/100%…
R&D Tax Incentive
Cash refund on eligible R&D spend for companies under A$20M turnover.
SR&ED Tax Credit
Refundable tax credits on qualifying R&D spend for Canadian-controlled private corporations.
Crédit d'Impôt Recherche (CIR)
One of Europe's most generous R&D tax credits; refundable for young SMEs.
R&D Tax Relief (merged scheme)
Tax credit on qualifying R&D; enhanced support for R&D-intensive loss-making SMEs.
SEIS / EIS Tax Relief
Makes raising your first £250k far easier by giving investors generous tax relief.
WBSO R&D Tax Credit
Reduces wage tax on R&D hours; startups receive an extra-high rate.
INVEST Grant for Venture Capital
Makes your round more attractive: angels receive a grant on their investment.
Jeune Entreprise Innovante (JEI)
Exemption from employer social charges on R&D staff plus tax benefits.
DPIIT Startup Recognition & 80-IAC
Recognition unlocks tax exemption, 80% patent fee rebate, self-certification and public procurement relaxations.
