The R&D tax incentive system is back online!
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has restored full access to the R&D tax incentive online submission portal.
Read more on LegislationPromoting private-sector R&D investment in South Africa
The South African government offers the R&D tax incentive under Section 11D of the Income Tax Act (Act No. 58 of 1962) in order to promote private-sector R&D investment in the country.
R&D is required in order to boost innovation in the business sector by improving the capability for developing new products and processes and improving existing ones. This is crucial for improving competitiveness and growth of the South African economy.
Cumulative Contributions
(November 2006 β February 2018)
(only apply to pre-approval system)
Profile of companies supported by the incentive
By turnover band
- Turnover not indicated78
- SMEs (R40m and below)383
- Large (R41m β R100m)119
- Very Large (R100m and above)322
R&D personnel involved in total applications supported
(Nov. 2006 β Feb. 2017)
Applications received by the DSI and indication of multi-year projects
(Oct. 2012 β Feb. 2017)
Number of applications received by the DSI per industrial sector
(Oct. 2012 β Feb. 2018)
- Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing β 63
- Mining and Quarrying β 83
- Manufacturing β 624
- Electricity, Gas and Water Supply β 23
- Transportation, Storage and Communication β 69
- Financial Intermediation, Real Estate and Business Services β 411
- Constructions β 13
- Wholesale and Retail Trade β 27
- Community, Social and Personal Services β 5
Contributions for 2017/18
Estimated R&D Expenditure 2017/18 Applications
Estimated R&D expenditure on 2017/18 applications
Uptake of applications received by the DSI in 2017/18
Ready to apply for the R&D tax incentive?
Register on the online portal to start a new application, or sign in to continue an existing one. Guidelines are available to help you prepare your submission.