SR&ED Tax Credits for
Firmware & Embedded Systems
Writing standard hardware drivers isn't SR&ED—but squeezing complex algorithms into memory-constrained microcontrollers is. We translate your logic analyzer logs and bare-metal integration struggles into audit-proof claims, letting your engineers focus on the next build, not the paperwork.
Your R&D in [
Software
]
Our expertise. Zero anxiety.
Your R&D in
[
Software
]
Our expertise. Zero anxiety.
What may qualify in firmware & embedded systems
We turn complex Firmware & Embedded Systems work into a defensible SR&ED claim with clear evidence and clean scope.
(examples)
(Evidence to capture)
01
Optimizing algorithms for extreme memory and processing constraints
Memory profiling logs, cycle time analyses, code refactoring history.
02
Developing custom RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) solutions
Task scheduling logic, interrupt latency tests, jitter measurements.
03
Overcoming hardware-software integration failures on custom PCBs
Logic analyzer captures, oscilloscope readings, firmware revision logs.
04
Engineering ultra-low-power management states for IoT devices
Battery drain analyses, sleep-state transition logs, power profiling.
05
Creating custom drivers for undocumented or novel hardware components
API bridging schemas, data throughput tests, communication protocol iterations.
Do you qualify?
A quick self-check
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You’re more likely to qualify if your work has all three:
01
Technological Uncertainty
You couldn't predict if the firmware would execute within strict timing, memory, or power constraints on the specific hardware architecture.
02
Systematic Investigation
You ran bare-metal debugging, tested multiple memory allocation strategies, profiled power states, and logged hardware-level performance metrics.
03
Technological Advancement
You achieved a measurable improvement in execution speed, memory efficiency, battery life, or hardware capability that goes beyond standard embedded programming.
We help you capture:
You don’t need perfect paperwork. You need a consistent evidence trail.
What problem you were solving
[ uncertainty ]
What problem you were solving
[ uncertainty ]
What problem you were solving
[ uncertainty ]
Our technical specialists speak your language.
Whether you are architecting a cloud database, scaling a bioreactor, or overcoming mechanical failure, we understand your underlying constraints without needing a beginner's explanation.
[ uncertainty ]
What problem you were solving
[ uncertainty ]
What problem you were solving
[ uncertainty ]
Routine driver updates and standard porting do not qualify—unless you can show specific technical uncertainty and documented testing.
[ Not sure if your work fits? ]
Request consultation
Request consultation
Common pitfalls we help you avoid
Small fixes early can prevent big issues later.
Routine Porting vs. R&D
Simply porting existing code to a new MCU (Microcontroller Unit) isn't SR&ED. We help isolate the specific engineering required when standard porting fails due to underlying architectural differences.
Blaming the Hardware
When a custom board fails, the fix is often in the firmware. We capture the complex software workarounds your team built to save flawed or highly constrained hardware.
Lack of Low-level Data
High-level Jira tickets often miss the point. We dive into your logic analyzer logs, memory maps, and Git commits to prove the deep embedded complexity of your work.
The "Off-the-shelf" Trap
Using standard libraries like FreeRTOS is normal. Overcoming their limitations to meet extreme real-time deadlines or custom hardware quirks is where the claimable R&D lives.
Want to sanity-check your setup?
Request consultation
Request consultation
Your R&D in
[
Software
]
Our expertise. Zero anxiety.
How Checkpoint helps firmware & embedded systems teams with SR&ED
We turn real firmware & embedded systems innovation into a clear SR&ED claim with evidence CRA can understand—without unnecessary complexity.
[ step 01 ]
Entry consultation
A brief, technical conversation to understand your operations to determine your SR&ED potential. No preparation needed.
[ step 02 ]
Eligibility review
We analyze your technical landscape to separate routine engineering from eligible work, identifying your hidden ROI.
[ step 03 ]
Technical discovery
We identify potential SR&ED projects from your work, and translate them into CRA-compliant language. Your team stays focused on innovation, not paperwork.
[ step 04 ]
Claim Preparation & Submission
We identify eligible project costs, draft the SR&ED forms, and develop a technical narrative for the CRA. We then coordinate with your tax advisor to manage the final submission.
[ step 05 ]
Proactive Compliance
Say goodbye to the year-end scramble. We establish a recurring rhythm of monthly or quarterly check-ins to capture eligible activities and costs as they happen.
[ step 06 ]
CRA Audit and Review Defense
We don’t just submit and disappear. We provide expert technical defense and manage all CRA communications to protect your claim.
[ step 07 ]
Funding Secured
Once your claim is approved, we provide a detailed reconciliation of the funding secured. We operate on a success-fee basis—we win only when you win.
What evidence
matters most
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(and how we keep it simple)
01
Technical
Uncertainty
The solution isn’t obvious in your context—there’s a real technical problem to solve.
02
Systematic Investigation
You test options through trials and iterations, form hypotheses, and measurement conclusions.
03
Technological Advancement
You can show measurable improvement beyond routine operations.
We help you capture:
You don’t need perfect paperwork. You need a consistent evidence trail.
What problem you were solving
[ uncertainty ]
What you changed vs. what stayed constant
[ variables ]
What you measured
[ results, comparisons ]
What changed based on results
[ decisions ]
Who worked on it and when
[ timeline ]
Link between trial work and eligible costs
[ high-level ]
Explore more in Software Engineering
[ Sub-industry ]
Cloud Computing & Distributed Systems
Qualifying cloud work often involves advances in security, scalability, reliability, or multi-tenant infrastructure optimization.
Mobile Development
Mobile SR&ED often requires proving that performance, architecture, or OS-related changes represent true technological advancement.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
SR&ED in AI/ML is strongest when you can distinguish true algorithmic or data processing innovation from standard software implementation.
Software Engineering Overview
See how we help teams across the entire software sector secure SR&ED funding. From complex algorithms to system integrations, discover our end-to-end methodology.
Your R&D in
[
Software
]
Our expertise. Zero anxiety.
Why teams choose Checkpoint
Proven experience, defensible process, and clear accountability.
20
+
[ Years of experience ]
8500
+
[ Projects ]
$500M
+
[ Recovered ]
96.5
%
[ Success rate ]
[ Testimonials ]
[ Firmware & Embedded Systems ]
“Checkpoint Research stood out because they actually understand the nuances of data science.
Our engineers could speak freely in their native technical language, discussing model training, neural networks, and algorithmic iterations, without having to over-explain the basics. They were able to distill our complex ML projects and translate them into exceptionally strong, properly structured SR&ED claims."
Frequently Asked Questions
Structuring claims in [Pharmaceuticals]
We speak your technical language
We speak your technical language
What is the CRA’s "Why and How" framework?
The "Why and How" framework is the CRA’s current assessment standard, replacing the legacy "Five Questions." It strictly evaluates the technical impetus for your project (the 'Why') and the systematic rigor of your execution (the 'How').
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What constitutes "contemporaneous documentation"?
Contemporaneous documentation refers to raw evidence generated during the execution of the work. Retroactive documentation drafted months after project completion is heavily scrutinized and frequently rejected by the CRA.
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Which specific artifacts should our engineering team preserve?
Preserve time-stamped artifacts tied directly to technical roadblocks. Commit logs, Jira/Linear tickets, Slack threads detailing failed tests, architecture whiteboard photos, and granular timesheets are the gold standard of evidence.
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What are the escalation protocols if a claim is denied?
The CRA provides a strict, three-tier escalation framework: an initial dispute resolution dialogue with the reviewer, an escalation to the Review Manager, and ultimately a formal Notice of Objection — filed within 90 days of assessment and, if required, carried to the Tax Court of Canada.
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When is litigation in the Tax Court of Canada (TCC) necessary?
The TCC is the final arbiter, utilized only when internal CRA administrative appeals are exhausted. It provides an independent judicial review of your technical and financial eligibility, completely separate from the CRA's internal ecosystem.
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Let’s Assess Your R&D Potential
Start with a pressure-free consultation.
We’ll clarify what likely qualifies, flag key risk areas, and recommend the safest next step based on your activities and timeline.
See what typically qualifies
See what typically qualifies
Direct line:
+1 (365) 525-2505
+1 (365) 525-2505
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