Apply for the R&D Tax Incentive online
All applications for the section 11D R&D tax deduction are submitted through the DSI online system. Follow the flow below to prepare your documents, complete the RD2 form and submit for adjudication.
Prepare these before you start
Having these ready will make the RD2 form quick to complete and reduce the risk of your application being rejected as incomplete.
Company registration & tax details
CIPC registration number, tax reference number and latest financial year information.
Company authorisation letter
A signed letter authorising a representative to submit and manage the application on the company’s behalf.
Download templateDetailed R&D project description
Objectives, activities, scientific/technological uncertainty and how each project aligns with section 11D.
Estimated R&D expenditure
Budget breakdown per project — personnel, materials, prototypes and any outsourced work.
Personnel involved in R&D
Names, roles and qualifications of researchers, engineers, technicians and support staff assigned to each project.
Supporting documentation
Any contracts, subcontractor agreements, joint-venture arrangements or grant letters affecting the R&D activity.
How to submit your application
Six steps from account creation to ongoing progress reporting.
- Step 1
Register or log in
Create an account on the R&D tax incentive online system or sign in with your existing credentials.
Open the online system - Step 2
Complete the RD2 application form
Capture your company profile, project details and R&D expenditure. Every compulsory field must be completed — incomplete applications will not be accepted.
RD2 application form guide - Step 3
Attach supporting documents
Upload the company authorisation letter, project descriptions, budgets and any partnership or funding agreements.
- Step 4
Submit for adjudication
Once submitted, your application is reviewed by the R&D Tax Incentive Adjudication and Monitoring Committee before being recommended to the Minister for approval.
- Step 5
Progress reporting
Approved applicants submit annual progress reports through the online system to keep their approval status active.
Progress reporting info - Step 6
Notify of changes
If the scope, personnel, budget or company structure of your R&D activity changes, submit a Notification of Changes so your approval remains valid.
Notification of changes
Ready to start your application?
Open the R&D tax incentive online system to begin — you can save progress and come back at any time.
Forms used in the online system
RD2 Application Form
The primary application form used to register R&D projects for the 150% deduction.
View detailsProgress Reporting
Annual reporting template for approved projects to confirm continued R&D activity.
View detailsNotification of Changes
Notify the DSI of changes to project scope, personnel, funding or company structure.
View detailsTemplates, manuals and video tutorials
Company Authorisation Template
Downloadable template for authorising an applicant representative.
Open resourceApplicant Portal Manual
Step-by-step guide to using the R&D tax incentive online system.
Open resourceOnline Application Tutorial Videos
Short video walk-throughs of the online system — registration, submission and reporting.
Open resourceHaving trouble with the system?
Our support team helps applicants with login issues, uploads, form errors and any other technical challenges on the online system.