French Research Tax Credit Accreditation (CIR) : How to Obtain It?
What is CIR Accreditation?
The Research Tax Credit (CIR) Accreditation is an official administrative document issued by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche). It certifies that a company possesses the necessary technical capabilities and human resources to perform Research and Development (R&D) activities as a subcontractor for other companies claiming the CIR.
Available to all companies, regardless of their size or sector, CIR Accreditation can also be obtained by design studios, individual experts, and textile designers. This accreditation represents a significant commercial advantage, assuring potential clients (principals) that the R&D services they subcontract will be eligible for their own CIR claims.
Why Obtain Research Tax Credit Accreditation (CIR)?
CIR Accreditation is highly valued by principals (companies commissioning R&D work). By engaging an accredited subcontractor, the principal can include the invoices from this subcontractor in their own CIR declaration, thereby increasing their tax credit amount. Consequently, accreditation significantly enhances your commercial appeal.
Note: Obtaining this accreditation prevents the subcontractor from claiming the CIR for the R&D activities performed for their clients. The benefit is passed on to the principal.
Furthermore, obtaining this accreditation requires compiling a rigorous scientific justification file.
AREAD takes charge of the entire process for you.
How to Apply for Research Tax Credit (CIR) Accreditation?
The application for CIR accreditation requires submitting a complete file to the Ministry of Research.
File Contents:
- An administrative form.
- A scientific file detailing your work (R&D projects undertaken).
- Supporting documents (CVs, diplomas of key personnel, etc.).
Submission Deadlines:
- First Application: The file must be submitted by March 31st for the current year.
- Renewal: The application must be submitted before the end of the expiration year of the current accreditation.
Accreditation Validity: The duration of validity varies depending on whether it’s the first application or not. It is most often granted for 3 years.
Note: It typically takes 8 to 9 months to receive a response from the Ministry after submission.
AREAD Supports Your Accreditation Application
Our consultants specialized in the Research Tax Credit assist you at every stage of obtaining your CIR accreditation.
Our Methodology:
- Audit of Your Projects: Selection of eligible R&D projects.
- File Preparation: Complete handling of the scientific and administrative file drafting.
- Personalized Follow-up: Management and monitoring of your file with the relevant administrative bodies.
Obtain a free diagnosis of your eligibility within 48 hours.
In parallel, our experts can also assist you with your Research Tax Credit declarations.
