Early Stage Innovation Company is designed for innovative businesses

Many companies that are engaged in innovative activities could be eligible to apply for the “Early Stage Innovation Company” status.

The benefit is that the company becomes far more attractive to potential investors because the investors have been offered an incentive by the government to invest in innovative companies.

The investors obtain a taxation offset equal to 20% of their investment, subject to maximum amounts, and they can potentially avoid Capital Gains Tax on those shares.

Companies that wish to obtain this status need to pass a compulsory test and then 1 of 2 other tests.

The compulsory test relates to the age of the company (generally under 3 years), expenditure in the previous 12 months (under $1million) and income in the previous 12 months (under $200,000). If the company passes this test, you then move to the next tests.

“Gateway Test” must earn at least 100 points from:

• Research and Development – 75 points
• Accelerating Commercialisation Grant – 75 points
• Completed or undertaking an Accelerator Program – 50 points
• At least $50,000 paid for an equity interest by non-associates – 50 points
• Ownership of a patent or plant breeders right – 50 points
• Ownership of an “innovation patent” or “registered design” – 25 points

If the company cannot accumulate 100 points, you can then move to the Principles Test:

• Is the company genuinely focused on developing for commercialisation significantly improved products, processes, services?
• Have a high growth potential?
• Potential to be able to successfully scale that business?
• Access a broader than local market?
• Potential to have a competitive advantage?

ESS BIZTOOLS has developed a series of product packages to assist accountants to deliver “Advisory Services” to SME. Call us on 1800 232 088 to find out more.