SR&ED Software vs. Consultant — Honest Comparison for Canadian Founders
Compare SR&ED software preparation vs. traditional consultants across pricing, workflow, documentation quality, founder time, accountant handoff, and CRA review readiness.
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The pricing comparison
The most visible difference between SR&ED software and consultants is pricing. Consultants charge 15–30% of your refund on contingency. Software charges a flat fee. On a $200,000 refund, that's $30,000–$60,000 vs. $299.
| Factor | Software | Consultant |
| Pricing | Flat fee ($299) | 15–30% of refund |
| Typical cost on $200K claim | $299 | $30K–$60K |
| Multi-year cost | $1,495 over 5 years | $150K+ over 5 years |
| Founder time | 2–4 hours | 5–10 hours + meetings |
| Documentation quality | Structured, consistent | Varies by consultant |
| CRA review readiness | Evidence index included | Varies by consultant |
When a consultant makes sense
Software is the right choice for most Canadian companies with straightforward claims. But there are situations where a consultant adds value: very large claims ($500K+), first-time claims with complex technical eligibility questions, or claims where CRA has already initiated a review.
Some consultants offer a hybrid: use software for preparation, then hire them for review. This can be cost-effective — you get the software price for documentation and the consultant's expertise for quality assurance.
Ready to turn this into a claim?
Check whether your work qualifies, estimate the possible credit, or preview the package your CPA would review.
More guides
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DocumentationSR&ED Claim Software: What Canadian Founders Should Know
SR&ED claim software guides Canadian businesses from evidence capture to T661-ready claim package. Learn the workflow, features, and what to expect from claim preparation software.
Costs & FinancialsSR&ED Consultant Fees: What Canadian Founders Actually Pay
Traditional SR&ED consultants charge 15–30% of your refund. On a $200K credit, that's $30K–$60K. Learn what you actually pay, how to negotiate, and when a flat fee makes more sense.
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