Businesses in the U.S. still have the opportunity to significantly reduce their tax liabilities by taking advantage of the Research and Development tax credit. This tax benefit can be claimed by companies from all industries. Tax paying businesses can claim the R&D credit as per 26 U.S.C. SS41. This tax credit is available to taxpayers who develop, design, improve, or modify products, processes or formulas.

In 1981, the credit was created to encourage businesses to invest in innovation and increase technical jobs in America. This tax incentive is the most valuable available for American businesses and it is calculated on the wages of employees who perform the qualifying work. It can also be used at both the state and federal levels. Over 30 states offer credit for balancing state tax liabilities.

Businesses of any size can claim the R&D tax credit, but not only large corporations with research laboratories. The credit does not cover R&D activities, which are more costly than most business owners realize. There is a long list of activities that qualify for the credit, including those related to applied sciences and other technical projects.

You may be eligible for R&D tax credits if you engage in any of the following activities:

• Development of new products
• Enhancing existing products
• Development of new or improved manufacturing processes or manufacturing methods
• New production equipment development
• Try to use new materials
• Designing and fabricating tools, dies and other equipment
• Software development

R&D tax credit specialists are familiar with the intricate rules of qualification. They also have extensive knowledge of credit-intensive industries and years of experience in developing tax credit claims. They will work with you to understand your business and adapt their tools and processes to your needs. They can help maximize your investment so your business will succeed.

What qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Many businesses don’t know that R&D credit eligibility goes beyond product development and includes activities such as software development and quality improvement. Even start-ups can use the R&D credit to reduce their payroll tax for up 5 years.

Claim the R&D Tax Credit

There are many factors that go into the claim of the research and development credit. Companies may be eligible for the credit for current and previous tax years. To ensure they are eligible, it is a good idea to document their R&D activities.

To verify the costs of each qualified research activity, businesses must continuously assess and document their research activities. Although estimates may involve some assumptions, these assumptions must be based on fact.

These are just a few examples of such documentation:

• Payroll records
• General ledger expense detail
• List of projects
• Notes for the project
• Other documents that a company may produce in the course of its business activities

What are the benefits of the R&D tax credit?

Businesses receiving tax credits for research and development is thought to be beneficial for the economy as it encourages innovation. Some business groups fear that the new amortization rules of the TCJA could reduce these benefits. 

The TCJA will mandate that businesses amortize U.S.-based R&D expenses over five years rather than taking them out immediately. This change will take effect in 2022. The Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy research group, has concluded that the cancellation of amortization rules will be beneficial to both workers and businesses by increasing economic output, wages, and creating approximately 19,500 new jobs.

However, businesses that claim the R&D credit currently have a reduced tax liability. It is a cash source for many small and medium-sized businesses. 

How can I find out if I am eligible for the R&D tax credit

The IRS updated the language that was used to determine who could claim R&D tax credits in 2004. The credit is now available to companies that use engineers or test products.

To claim credit, however, you must prove that your business has used hard science in its research. You cannot claim credit if your business is a restaurant, accountant, or other professional, even though you test or research new products. An IRS audit may be more likely for a business that claims this tax credit in the “humanities”.

No matter what type of business you own, if your company wants to claim a tax credit to R&D, you must have the proper documentation to show that your expenses are eligible.

What documents are required to claim the R&D credit?

The IRS doesn’t specify what constitutes “sufficient documentation” in order to claim a tax credit of R&D. The IRS does not specify what constitutes sufficient documentation to claim a tax credit for R&D. This means that your business should keep as much documentation as possible relating to R&D activities in the event of an audit. 

These are just a few of the documents that you should have on hand.

• Information about payroll for R&D employees and employees supervising them
• Reports of general ledger that list which supplies and business expenses were related to R&D, and which were not
• You can get copies of invoices and contracts that were paid to contractors who did third-party research.
• Timekeeping records to record work plans, payroll and meetings, as well as any other activities, to show that they are related to R&D
• You can use your research to create design drawings, test records and blueprints.

What can I do to increase my small business’s tax credit for research?

The R&D tax credit can be used in many ways by small businesses. Tax credits can be claimed by qualified small businesses for research expenses that rise over time. This credit can only be claimed if your expenses have increased over the previous year.

This credit can be used to offset FICA payroll taxes of up to $250,000. Qualified small businesses are those that have a minimum annual gross receipt of $5 million and have been in operation for less than five years. Your small business can claim tax credits for research expenses, even if it isn’t yet producing revenue.

What are my chances of being eligible for the R&D tax credit

Section 41 of Internal Revenue Code and related regulations outline the rules for the R&D credit. Any taxpayer who has qualified R&D expenses in the United States can apply for this credit.

• You must demonstrate that your research and development activities are in line with the following criteria to be eligible for credit
• They serve the purpose of finding technologically relevant information.
• These are used to create a new or improved component of your business, such as products or internal-use software.
• They are based on hard science such as engineering and biological sciences.
• They are an attempt to eliminate uncertainty.
• They employ scientific experimentation, which includes testing and alternative methods.

Note: This goal must be set in the early stages of the project to qualify as eliminating uncertainty.

What expenses are eligible for the R&D credit?

These expenses are eligible for the tax credit because they relate to R&D.

• You pay qualified research and development employees or those who support or supervise them in R&D.
• Materials used to research and develop new technologies, other than land, property subject t depreciation or improvements land
• The cost of a qualified activity performed by a third party contractor for your business.
• For qualified R&D activities, research payments can be made to qualified educational institutions or scientific research organizations.
• Costs for developing a patent

What expenses are exempt from the R&D credit tax credit?

The R&D tax credit is available to offset many costs related to research and development. Some expenses are exempted however:

• After you have started commercial production, research is done
• You can adapt an existing product to a specific customer by conducting research
• A product or process already in existence can be duplicated
• You conduct surveys or studies, such as market research.
• Research on some types of software that are intended for internal use
• You can conduct research outside of the United States, Puerto Rico, or another U.S. territory
• The humanities, arts and social sciences are all areas of research
• Research funding by another person, government grant, or organization
• Cost of fixed assets required to run your business

You may find that some expenses that are eligible for the R&D credit also qualify for other tax credits. In these cases, you will need to decide which tax credit you want. The orphan drug credit may also be available for qualified expenses related to the clinical testing of rare drugs and other medical conditions. To determine which credits are most beneficial for your company, you will need to consult your accountant or tax preparation expert.

Additional information can be found on the IRS website to determine if your company is eligible for R&D credits.

Businesses that make use of data science and big analysis are the ones that stand to benefit the most from the R&D credit in the current economic climate.

Many organizations, small and large, have data analysis and data science departments due to the rapid growth of online data collection. These departments employ complex algorithms, advanced software and the latest data science advances to enable them to innovate and analyze markets. These data science employees are often educated in computer engineering and complex mathematics.

Businesses across industries have more opportunities to claim the R&D credit. Your business can use data science to understand customers, market trends, and product innovation. This analysis requires a high degree of scientific rigor, which almost always qualifies you for the R&D credit.

Data analysis is a complex process that requires a lot of documentation. This includes the creation and testing of different data sets.

How is the R&D credit calculated?

If your company has spent $100,000 on qualified R&D expenses over the last three years, your credit base is $50,000 (or 50% of $100,000). This is $70,000 more than your base if you spend $120,000 in research and development. Multiplying this amount by 14% gives you a tax credit of $9,800. You can claim this amount all at once, or spread over 60 months.

If you don’t have three years worth of R&D history, your R&D credit can be calculated at a flat 6% of the total R&D expenses in that year. The credit for qualified expenses of $120,000 would be $7,200.

Although calculating the R&D credit can be done easily, it is difficult to know which expenses are eligible and what documentation is needed. Tax laws change frequently over a long period of time and can have an impact on when and how credits are claimed. Consult your accountant before calculating any tax credits. To make it as simple as possible, you can use top-rated accounting software providers if you prefer to do this yourself.