On 21 July 2026 the NZ government announced its Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) has passed $10 billion in supported business R&D, generating an estimated $6.7 billion in economic benefits, with record applications this year and most new enrolees being small businesses. The RDTI gives a 15% tax credit on eligible R&D spend, and the government is introducing in-year payments so businesses get the credit sooner rather than waiting until year-end.
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NZ R&D Tax Incentive passes $10b; in-year payments coming to boost cashflow
Why this matters for founders
R&D-performing founders should enrol in the RDTI to claim 15% back on eligible R&D expenditure, and plan around the incoming in-year payment option to turn the credit into working cashflow during the year instead of after filing.
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