CIR (Credit Impot Recherche)

The Crédit d'Impôt Recherche (CIR) is France's R&D tax credit program that enables businesses of all sizes to claim up to 30% of qualifying research and development expenses as a tax credit. Eligible expenses include fundamental research, industrial research, and experimental development activities, making it a key government incentive for companies investing in innovation in France.

Le Crédit d’Impôt Recherche (“CIR”) is France’s tax incentive program that aims to promote companies of all sizes investing in research & development (R&D).

In simple terms, any eligible business can claim qualifying R&D expenses under the R&D tax credit scheme. In return, companies receive up to 30% of the amount claimed as a tax credit.

Also, any R&D expense that fall under either fundamental research, industrial research or experimental development can be claimed. Examples of such expenses include: salaries, subcontractor costs, overheads, etc.

What is it?
Tax credit of up to 30% of claimed R&D costs. The tax credit is then used to offset any corporate taxes in the future.

For whom?
The eligibility criteria for France’s R&D tax credit is very broad. Indeed, all types of businesses from any sector can be eligible as long as they invest in R&D.

Also, it doesn’t matter whether your business is loss-making or profitable. Indeed, even loss-making businesses can claim R&D expenses under the CIR tax program and carry forward any tax credit in the future. So as long as you spend in R&D, you can claim CIR.

For more information on France’s R&D tax credit, read our article here.