Larissa Lai

Partner - Brisbane

Larissa Lai is a Partner in the Brisbane R&D Tax division, specialising in Innovation and Incentives.

With over 12 years of expertise in Research and Development (R&D) tax incentives, Larissa is a trusted adviser to businesses navigating the complexities of the Australian innovation landscape.

Larissa specialises in assisting large corporate entities, middle-market SMEs, and regional SMEs to unlock the financial benefits of the Australian R&D Tax Incentive program.

Her approach combines deep technical knowledge with a client-centric focus, ensuring tailored advice and practical solutions. Larissa is passionate about helping businesses bring innovative ideas to life, providing guidance from early-stage development through to commercialisation, acquisition, or exit.

"I am passionate about helping businesses unlock the potential of their innovative ideas by navigating the complexities of the Australian R&D Tax Incentive and driving their journey from concept to commercialisation."

Larissa works closely with businesses to help them access the Australian R&D Tax Incentive by identifying and maximising eligible R&D activities to secure valuable tax offsets. She provides expert advice and assistance in navigating Advance and Overseas Findings, including lodging findings and implementing best-practice governance frameworks to ensure seamless integration into annual claims. For businesses seeking financial support, she offers guidance on obtaining R&D debt financing, helping sustain innovation efforts.

Her role also involves supporting clients during ATO and AusIndustry reviews, offering comprehensive advice and representation to safeguard claims throughout these processes. Larissa provides strategic insights on R&D tax implications related to scaling, commercialisation, acquisition, or divestment, ensuring clients are well-prepared for these pivotal moments. Additionally, she reviews historical R&D claims of target entities during acquisition processes, ensuring due diligence is thorough and effective. To enhance compliance and mitigate risk, Larissa helps businesses implement robust R&D tax governance documentation.

Prior to joining RSM, Larissa was a Director in the R&D Tax and Government Incentives team at a Big 4 accounting firm. Over her 12-year tenure, she worked with a diverse range of businesses, from pioneering start-ups to established global corporations, helping them navigate Australia’s R&D incentive programs.

Larissa takes pride in helping her clients transform bold ideas into tangible successes. She has supported businesses in turning groundbreaking concepts into life-changing therapeutics, assisting biotechnology firms to develop treatments with global impact. She has helped FMCG businesses bring innovative products to supermarket shelves, enabling organisations to transform industries by adopting best practices, and working with service providers to significantly improve customer experiences.

Larissa thrives on collaborating with clients to unlock their full potential. She finds great satisfaction in witnessing her clients' innovation journeys, from initial concepts to market-ready solutions. Her work enables her to contribute directly to Australia's vibrant innovation ecosystem.

Larissa's most notable achievements include successfully guiding numerous inbound and domestic SMEs through the R&D tax incentive process, leading to substantial funding outcomes. She has developed tailored R&D tax strategies that have supported significant business growth and market expansion and has represented clients during ATO and AusIndustry reviews, ensuring positive outcomes and claim integrity.

Outside of work, Larissa is a passionate adventurer, spending her downtime exploring the great outdoors. Whether hiking through rugged trails or immersing herself in nature during her travels, she values the perspective and inspiration these adventures provide.

Significant Projects

• Assisting companies in accessing the Australian R&D tax incentive program. Larissa has worked with a wide range of innovative companies, from start-ups to multi-national corporations across many different industries, including life sciences,  manufacturing, food and beverage, E&R, technology and engineering
• Assisting and advising inbound international companies to Australia, by leading multi-disciplinary teams to advise on tax structuring, transfer pricing, financing and accessing the R&D Tax  Incentive. 

Solutions Larissa Lai provides

Larissa provides expert knowledge in the following areas:

• Providing tailored advice regarding Government funding opportunities
• Developing compelling funding applications and coordinating associated stakeholders
•  Preparing supporting documentation such as Business Cases and Project Plans
•  Access to innovation funding through the R&D Tax Incentive program

Associations

• Member, Queensland AusBiotech Committee
• Admitted to the Legal Profession by the Supreme Court of Queensland

Qualifications

• Masters of Laws (Taxation Law), University of Sydney
• Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Sciences), University of Queensland
• Bachelor Laws, Queensland University of Technology
• Post Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Bond University