How to compare SR&ED consulting fees

Compare the same work first

Ask each provider to describe the engagement in writing before comparing prices. One proposal may cover preparing the technical narrative and cost schedules; another may include additional coordination, filing support or responses to review questions. A price difference can reflect a different scope.

Use the same claim year, company entities and expected responsibilities in each comparison. If your accountant or internal finance team does part of the work, make that division explicit. A second opinion can complement the existing accountant relationship.

Your fee-and-scope checklist

Use these questions beside your current engagement letter and any new written proposal. Leave an answer marked “not confirmed” until the provider explains it.

1. What is the fee calculated on?

   For a percentage fee, identify the exact base: which federal or provincial credits, refunds or other amounts are included? Is the fee based on amounts claimed, assessed or received? Ask how later adjustments affect it. Eligible expenditures and tax credits are different figures; do not compare percentages applied to different bases.

2. Is there a minimum, cap or fixed component?

   Record any minimum fee, maximum fee, retainer, annual charge, fixed preparation fee and separately billed expenses. For a mixed arrangement, request a total-fee illustration using the same assumptions for both providers. Check how applicable sales taxes are shown.

3. Which preparation tasks are included?

   List project interviews, technical writing, cost analysis, supporting schedules and coordination with the accountant or tax filer. Identify who gathers records, reviews drafts and submits the final material. Ask how additional projects, entities or revised information affect the scope.

4. What happens during a CRA review?

   Ask who answers questions, prepares supporting explanations and attends discussions, and whether this work is included in the original fee. Record any time limits, exclusions or additional charges. Do not assume that the phrase “audit support” describes the same service in every proposal.

5. Are objections or further disputes a separate engagement?

   Confirm the scope and fees for each stage separately. Ask who performs the work and when a new authorization or engagement is required. Experience with a stage does not mean that every engagement includes it.

6. When is payment due?

   Compare deposits, milestones, invoice timing and what happens if a claim is adjusted or a payment is delayed. Ask for the payment schedule in writing so the fee comparison also reflects cash-flow requirements.

7. What happens if you change providers?

   Review the current agreement and clarify outstanding fees, responsibility for earlier claims, access to records and document handover. Agree who will handle open questions before assigning new work. Resolve any contractual uncertainty with your advisers.

Put the answers side by side

Copy this compact worksheet into your review notes, or print this page from your browser.

A useful comparison explains the total fee under consistent assumptions and the work that fee buys. There is no single percentage in this guide presented as a market standard or as the right fee for your business.

For accountants and fractional CFOs

Share this checklist with clients who already claim SR&ED and want a clearer view of consulting costs or support. You can help assemble the current fee basis and identify who owns each part of the process. A client can contact CrossDynamix directly or ask for an introduction; no client documents are needed to read this guide.

If an inquiry follows, tell us how the client wants its existing accountant or finance adviser involved. Sharing the guide does not create a referral-payment arrangement or change anyone’s existing engagement.