Classification: What is the R&D tax credit in accounting terms?
The Forschungszulage under the Forschungszulagengesetz (FZulG) is not a subsidy or grant in the traditional sense. It is a tax credit (Section 4(2) FZulG) that is offset against the assessed income or corporate tax. If the Forschungszulage exceeds the tax liability, the difference is paid out directly to the company.
This classification has far-reaching consequences for the accounting treatment:
Not a Subsidy
Accounting rules for government grants do not apply to the R&D tax credit.
Ertragsteuerlich relevant
Increases taxable profit as other operating income in the P&L statement.
Claim Against Tax Office
Comparable to a tax refund receivable against the tax authorities.
Legal Basis
Entitlement arises by law once the tax office issues the assessment notice.
For the R&D tax credit, it is therefore crucial to know the correct timing of recognition and the right accounts. Errors in booking can lead to objections during tax audits and, in the worst case, trigger reclaim demands.
Timing of recognition
One of the most common questions concerns the correct timing of recognition. The following diagram shows the three phases:
After BSFZ certificate
The Certification Body for R&D Tax Credit (BSFZ) confirms the R&D nature of the projects. This certificate is a necessary prerequisite but does not yet establish a legal entitlement. The BSFZ certificate alone therefore does not justify recognition of a receivable in the balance sheet.
After assessment notice from the tax office
The entitlement to the R&D tax credit only arises upon assessment by the tax office (Festsetzungsbescheid). Only when the assessment notice is available is the entitlement sufficiently concrete and legally secured to recognize a receivable in the balance sheet.
In practice, this means: The R&D tax credit is typically recognized as income in the fiscal year of the assessment – not in the fiscal year in which the R&D expenditures were incurred. If, for example, the assessment notice for fiscal year 2024 is only issued in 2026, the R&D tax credit is booked in the 2026 annual financial statements.
Journal entries: SKR03 and SKR04
The basic principle is always the same: Receivable to other operating income.
SKR04: 1590
SKR04: 7695
T-Account Visualization: How the R&D Tax Credit Flows Through the Books
The following T-accounts illustrate a typical case with EUR 150,000 in assessed R&D tax credit and full offset against corporate income tax (Körperschaftsteuer):
Journal entry upon assessment
| Booking step | SKR03 | SKR04 | Debit / Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forderung aktivieren | Account 1450 – Other assets | Account 1590 – Other assets | Soll |
| Ertrag erfassen | Account 2749 – Other operating income | Account 7695 – Other operating income | Haben |
Forschungszulage of 150,000 EUR is assessed:
Account 1450 (Other assets) 150,000 EUR to Account 2749 (Other operating income) 150,000 EUR
Journal entry upon offset / payout
When the Finanzamt offsets the Forschungszulage against the tax liability or pays out the surplus, the receivable is settled:
| Booking step | SKR03 | SKR04 | Soll / Haben |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verrechnung mit Steuerschuld | Account 1780 – VAT prior year (or income/corp. tax account) | Account 3820 – (or income/corp. tax account) | Soll |
| Derecognize receivable | Account 1450 – Other assets | Account 1590 – Other assets | Haben |
| Or: Bank receipt upon refund | Account 1200 – Bank | Account 1800 – Bank | Soll |
Use our R&D tax credit calculator to estimate the expected amount and determine the booking values in advance.
HGB vs. IFRS: Differences in accounting treatment
Depending on the applicable accounting standard, there are differences in the treatment of the R&D tax credit. Both standards ultimately lead to income recognition – however, the timing and presentation may differ.
HGB accounting (German GAAP)
Under the Handelsgesetzbuch (HGB – German Commercial Code), the Forschungszulage is reported as other operating income in the profit and loss statement (Section 275 HGB). Recognition generally occurs in the fiscal year of assessment by the Finanzamt. By analogy with IAS 20, the Forschungszulage can be treated as an income grant, where it does not directly reduce personnel expenses but is presented as a separate income item.
- Presentation: Other operating income (P&L statement)
- Zeitpunkt: Bei hinreichender Sicherheit des Anspruchs (i.d.R. Festsetzungsbescheid)
- Notes: Disclosure of the R&D tax credit in the notes is recommended
IFRS accounting (IAS 20)
Under IFRS, the Forschungszulage must be accounted for under IAS 20 – Government Grants. IAS 20 requires that the grant is only recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the company will meet the conditions and the grant will be received.
- Gross method: Presented as separate income in the P&L statement (similar to HGB)
- Net method: Offset against the related expenses (personnel costs) – R&D costs are presented net
- Timing: IFRS may allow earlier recognition than HGB if the conditions are substantially met before the assessment notice
| Criterion | HGB | IFRS (IAS 20) |
|---|---|---|
| Grundsatz | Ertragswirksame Erfassung | Ertragswirksame Erfassung |
| Presentation | Other operating income | Gross- oder Net-Methode (Wahlrecht) |
| Timing | Assessment notice | Reasonable assurance (potentially earlier) |
| Netting | Not permitted (gross principle) | Net-Methode erlaubt |
Corporate Tax and Trade Tax Considerations
Die steuerliche Behandlung weist wichtige Besonderheiten auf:
Trade Tax Exemption (Section 4(3) FZulG)
The Forschungszulage is exempt from trade tax. Under Section 4(3) FZulG, the Forschungszulage is not added to trade income. This means: although the Forschungszulage is reported as other operating income in the commercial and tax balance sheets, it must be excluded when calculating trade income.
In practice, this requires an off-balance-sheet adjustment in the trade tax return.
Verrechnung mit ESt / KSt
Die Forschungszulage wird mit der festgesetzten Einkommen- oder Corporate Tax verrechnet. Dabei gilt:
- Verrechnung: Die Forschungszulage mindert die zu zahlende ESt oder KSt des jeweiligen Veranlagungszeitraums
- Refund: If the R&D tax credit exceeds the tax liability, the difference is refunded – the credit can result in a net payout
- No offset against trade tax: The Forschungszulage is not offset against trade tax
- Solidarity surcharge: The Forschungszulage is credited before the solidarity surcharge
Common booking errors
These 5 errors occur regularly and lead to issues during tax audits:
Premature Recognition
Forderung wird vor dem Festsetzungsbescheid aktiviert – führt zu Überbewertung des Vermögens.
Wrong Accounts
Buchung auf Steuererstattungskonten statt Konto 2749/7695 (sonst. betriebl. Erträge).
Trade Tax Deduction Missing
Außerbilanzielle Kürzung fehlt – Forschungszulage wird versehentlich mit GewSt belastet.
Prior-Year Correction Missing
Festsetzungsbescheid im Folgejahr: Periodenfremder Ertrag ohne Anhangangabe erfasst.
Commercial/Tax BS Not Aligned
Different approaches in commercial and tax balance sheets without documentation – deferred taxes missing.
Practical tip: Coordination with your tax advisor
Our recommendation:
- Inform your tax advisor early about the Forschungszulage application
- Clarify the account assignment (SKR03 or SKR04) in advance
- Ensure the trade tax reduction is accounted for in the tax return
- Dokumentieren Sie den Zeitpunkt der Festsetzung und den Buchungszeitpunkt
- Bei IFRS-Bilanzierern: Legen Sie die Methode (Gross vs. Net) konsistent fest
NOVARIS Consulting not only supports you with the Forschungszulage application, but also coordinates the entire process with your tax advisor – from BSFZ certification to correct booking.
Forschungszulage Accounting: Annual Statements and Financial Reporting
The Forschungszulage has a direct impact on annual financial statements and must be correctly reflected in both the commercial and tax balance sheets. Depending on whether your company reports under HGB or IFRS, different requirements apply.
Impact on Annual Financial Statements Under HGB
In the HGB annual financial statements, the R&D tax credit is reported as other operating income in the P&L. Book to Account 2749 (Credit) and Account 1450 (Debit) in SKR03, or Account 7695 and Account 1590 in SKR04.
- Aktivierung der Forderung: Erst mit Erhalt des Festsetzungsbescheids darf die Forderung in der Bilanz aktiviert werden. Eine vorzeitige Aktivierung allein aufgrund der BSFZ-Bescheinigung widerspricht dem Vorsichtsprinzip des HGB (§ 252 Abs. 1 Nr. 4 HGB).
- Notes disclosure: For material amounts, an explanation in the notes to the financial statements is recommended, especially if the Forschungszulage significantly affects the result or is from a prior period.
- Prior period income: If the assessment notice is received in a subsequent year, the Forschungszulage must be reported as prior period income and separately explained in the notes.
- Deferred taxes: If the recognition timing differs between commercial and tax balance sheets, deferred tax liabilities may arise, which must be accounted for under Section 274 HGB.
Accounting for the R&D tax credit under IFRS
IFRS reporters have the choice between two methods under IAS 20 (Accounting and Presentation of Government Grants) when booking the Forschungszulage:
| Method | Darstellung | Impact on income statement |
|---|---|---|
| Gross-Methode | Forschungszulage wird als separater Ertrag (other income) ausgewiesen | Gross result remains unchanged; allowance appears as a separate item |
| Net-Methode | Forschungszulage wird direkt von den F&E-Kosten abgezogen | R&D expenses are reduced; no separate income item |
Tax Balance Sheet and Forschungszulage Accounting
In the tax balance sheet, the Forschungszulage must always be recorded as business income. The booking of the Forschungszulage in SKR03 (Account 1450 to 2749) or SKR04 (Account 1590 to 7695) applies equally to the tax balance sheet. The income increases the taxable profit and thus the assessment base for income or corporate tax. The trade tax exemption under Section 4(3) FZulG is achieved through an off-balance-sheet reduction in the trade tax return.
Accounting for Partnerships vs. Corporations
The correct booking of the R&D tax credit depends significantly on the legal form of your company. GmbH, KG and sole proprietorships differ in key aspects of recognition and tax treatment.
GmbH and other corporations
Bei einer GmbH (oder AG, UG) wird die Forschungszulage auf Gesellschaftsebene verbucht und versteuert:
- Booking: Identical account assignment. R&D tax credit in SKR03: Account 1450 to 2749. In SKR04: Account 1590 to 7695.
- Income tax: The R&D tax credit is offset directly against the income tax liability.
- Owner contributions: Sole proprietors can additionally claim their own R&D activity as an owner contribution (up to 100 EUR/hour, max. 40h/week).
- Cash-basis accounting: When profit is determined using the cash-basis method (EÜR), the Forschungszulage is recorded as business income – the date of receipt determines the recognition date.
| Merkmal | GmbH / AG | KG / OHG | Sole proprietorship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxation | At company level (corp. tax + solidarity surcharge) | At partner level (income tax) | At owner level (income tax) |
| Buchung FZul SKR03 | Konto 1450 an 2749 | Konto 1450 an 2749 | Konto 1450 an 2749 |
| Buchung FZul SKR04 | Konto 1590 an 7695 | Konto 1590 an 7695 | Konto 1590 an 7695 |
| Trade tax reduction | Yes, off-balance-sheet | Yes, off-balance-sheet | Ja, sofern gewerblich |
| Owner Contributions | Only for shareholder-MD | For participating partners | For the owner personally |
FAQ: R&D tax credit accounting
No, the R&D tax credit is exempt from trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) pursuant to Section 4(3) FZulG. It is not added to trade income and is therefore only subject to income tax or corporate tax (Körperschaftsteuer). Make sure to correctly apply the off-balance-sheet reduction in the trade tax return.
The R&D tax credit should only be booked upon receipt of the assessment notice (Festsetzungsbescheid) from the tax office. At this point, the legally secured entitlement arises. Premature recognition based solely on the BSFZ certificate carries accounting risks and is not recommended.
In SKR03, book the receivable to Account 1450 (Other assets) and the income to Account 2749 (Other operating income). The journal entry is: Account 1450 (Debit) to Account 2749 (Credit). In SKR04, use Account 1590 (Receivable) and Account 7695 (Income) respectively.
Yes, the R&D tax credit must be reported as other operating income in the profit and loss statement. It increases net income and must be recorded as income in the tax balance sheet. The trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) exemption remains unaffected – the reduction is applied off-balance-sheet in the trade tax return.
To book the R&D tax credit in SKR03, use the following journal entry: Account 1450 (Other Assets) on the debit side to Account 2749 (Other Operating Income) on the credit side. The booking is only made upon receipt of the assessment notice (Festsetzungsbescheid) from the tax office. When payment is received, book: Account 1200 (Bank) to Account 1450. In SKR04, the corresponding accounts are 1590 (Receivable) and 7695 (Income). The journal entry is identical for all legal forms – GmbH, KG or sole proprietorship.
Yes, the R&D tax credit is generally taxable – as other operating income, it increases taxable profit and is subject to income tax or corporate tax. However, the R&D tax credit is exempt from trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) under Section 4(3) FZulG. The trade tax exemption is ensured through an off-balance-sheet reduction in the trade tax return.
For a non-calendar fiscal year (e.g. April–March), the R&D tax credit must be recognized in the fiscal year in which the assessment notice (Festsetzungsbescheid) from the Finanzamt is received. Decisive is the realization principle under § 252 (1) No. 4 HGB: the claim only becomes sufficiently certain – and thus capitalizable – upon issuance of the notice. Example: FY April 2025–March 2026, BSFZ certificate January 2026, tax-office assessment May 2026 → booking in FY April 2026–March 2027. Earlier recognition is only possible under IFRS (IAS 20) if reasonable assurance exists beforehand. Also pay attention to the period-correct accrual of the underlying R&D personnel costs – these are recognized in the year they are incurred, regardless of when the credit is actually received.
Yes – in the E-Bilanz under § 5b EStG, the R&D tax credit is reported under the "Other operating income" position of the German taxonomy (typically de-gaap-ci_is.netIncomeFromOrdinaryActivities.otherOperatingIncome). A separate label as "Forschungszulage" is not strictly required but recommended – especially for material amounts – via the "Explanation of other operating income" note field. Additionally, an off-balance-sheet reduction must be made in the trade tax return (GewSt 1A, line 87) to avoid double recognition. ELSTER mandatory field: When transmitting the E-Bilanz via ELSTER, the position is automatically validated; no separate attachment is required.
Further Resources on the R&D Tax Credit
Deepen your knowledge with our specialized resources:
Complete overview of the FZulG 2026 – requirements, funding amount and application process.
Read the guide
Calculate your individual funding amount in 30 seconds – interactive and free.
To the calculator
Detailed tax treatment – offset, trade tax and special cases.
Learn more
Step-by-step application guide – from BSFZ to tax office.
To the guide