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What is the R&D Tax Credit?

The R&D tax credit (IRC Section 41) is a permanent federal incentive that provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in income tax for businesses that create or improve products, processes, formulas, techniques, or software. It equals 6% to 12% of qualifying research [...]

By |2026-05-19T05:43:57-04:00May 19th, 2026|

Who qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit?

Any business that develops or improves products, processes, formulas, techniques, or software may qualify. This includes companies in software, manufacturing, engineering, food and beverage, aerospace, agriculture, and many other industries. You do not need a laboratory or scientists. The activity [...]

By |2026-05-19T05:44:12-04:00May 19th, 2026|

How much is the R&D Tax Credit worth?

The credit ranges from 6% to 12% of qualified research expenses. The exact amount depends on your wages, supplies, and contract research costs, and whether the qualified activities happened in a State where a State R&D Tax Credit is also [...]

By |2026-05-19T09:12:07-04:00May 19th, 2026|

Can startups claim the R&D Tax Credit?

Yes. In general, companies that meet the following qualifications may use the credit to offset payroll taxes instead of income tax: Gross Receipts: Have less than $5 million in annual gross receipts for the current tax year. Age: Have no [...]

By |2026-05-19T05:44:38-04:00May 19th, 2026|

What changed with OBBBA and Section 174?

The OBBBA retroactively repealed the requirement in Section 174 to amortize all domestic R&D expenses for tax years 2022 through 2024. Businesses that stopped claiming credits during those years can now amend their returns and receive refunds. Final filing deadlines [...]

By |2026-05-19T05:45:03-04:00May 19th, 2026|

Does claiming the R&D Tax Credit trigger an IRS audit?

No. Claiming R&D credits does not automatically trigger an audit. The IRS has a dedicated review process for R&D Tax Credit claims that is separate from general audits. Well-documented claims with the Four-Part Test properly substantiated face minimal scrutiny. Hull [...]

By |2026-05-19T05:44:55-04:00May 19th, 2026|