German R&D tax credit under the FZulG
The Forschungszulage, guided step by step.
Forschungszulage Digital guides you with AI assistance from your first project idea to the BSFZ certificate and the data for the tax office.
We prepare the data – you or your tax adviser file the claim with the tax office.
Sample calculation
Financial year 2026 · 3 work packages
- Project idea capturedconfirmed
- BSFZ applicationstarted
- Data for the tax officeopen
Sample values, no commitment. The tax office sets the amount in its notice. Fee plus VAT.
The Forschungszulage in figures
25%
of eligible expenses for every company
35%
for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
€12m
maximum assessment base per financial year, from 2026
20%
overhead flat rate for projects starting after 31 Dec 2025
Source: Forschungszulagengesetz (FZulG), Bescheinigungsstelle Forschungszulage. As of November 2026.
Four steps to your Forschungszulage
The Forschungszulage takes two procedures: first the certification body (BSFZ), then the tax office.
- 01
Capture your project
You describe your project. AI assistance structures it into work packages; you check every suggestion.
- 02
BSFZ application
We prepare the full application to the certification body, along its criteria.
- 03
BSFZ certificate
You answer follow-up questions from the BSFZ in a structured way, with our support.
- 04
Data for the tax office
Expenses per financial year, ready for ELSTER. You or your tax adviser file the claim.
What Forschungszulage Digital does differently
A guided flow with AI assistance
You answer concrete questions instead of filling in blank forms. Suggestions for the project description and work packages are marked "AI suggestion · please check" until you confirm them.
Success-based: 5% of the Forschungszulage
No base fee. 2.5% is due with the BSFZ certificate, 2.5% when the tax office pays out.
You stay in control
We prepare the data. You or your tax adviser file the claim with the tax office via ELSTER.
Who the Forschungszulage is for
Forschungszulage Digital is made for small and medium-sized companies with their own development.
A good fit if
- your company is taxable in Germany
- you develop your own products, software or processes
- at the start it was technically uncertain whether and how it would work
- your own staff or contractors work on it
Less likely to fit if
- you only introduced or adapted a standard solution
- the work was routine without technical risk
- there were no personnel costs or contract research
Frequently asked questions
What is the Forschungszulage?
Germany's tax credit for research and development under the Forschungszulagengesetz. It does not depend on profit: the credit is offset against tax or paid out. Eligible companies have a legal entitlement – there is no competition for funds.
Who files the claim with the tax office?
You or your tax adviser, via ELSTER. We prepare the data – we never file with the tax office.
What does Forschungszulage Digital cost?
5% of the Forschungszulage plus VAT, half due with the BSFZ certificate and half when the tax office pays out. No base fee. See pricing
Can I claim for past years?
Yes, for past financial years as long as the assessment period has not expired. For 2022 it ends on 31 Dec 2026, to our knowledge. Please check the deadline for your company with your tax adviser.
Does the project have to succeed?
No. What counts is that there was a technical risk at the start and that the work was systematic. Whether a project qualifies is decided by the BSFZ.
What happens to my data?
You receive a data processing agreement. We use your data only to prepare your Forschungszulage and do not pass it on. See security
Talk to us
In 15 minutes we clarify whether your projects may qualify for the Forschungszulage.