The Louisiana R&D tax credit is a state tax credit that encourages businesses to invest in Louisiana’s research and development (R & R&D) activities in Louisiana. The credit is equal to 25% of the number of qualified R&D expenses incurred by a business in a taxable year.

To be eligible for the Louisiana R&D tax credit, a business must incur expenses for qualified R&D activities in Louisiana. Qualified R&D activities include primary research, applied research, and development stage activities.

A business must file a Louisiana income tax return and complete the Louisiana R&D Tax Credit Schedule to claim the credit. The credit can be claimed against either the business’s Louisiana income tax liability or its franchise tax liability.

What Is The Louisiana R&D Tax Credit?

For businesses with 50 Louisiana residents, a 40% increase in R&D funding is required to maintain the same output level. If you have 50 to 99 employees, the credit amount goes to 20% for the same output. However, for businesses that employ 100 or more people, the credit is only 8%.

The research tax credit has been in effect since 1981 to encourage more businesses to invest in research. This is a state tax credit, so companies must file a Louisiana income tax return and complete the Louisiana R&D Tax Credit Schedule to be eligible. The credit can be claimed against either the business’s Louisiana income tax liability or its franchise tax liability.

Excess credits are carried forward for up to five years. This means that a business may be able to claim the credit in future years if it doesn’t use the entire credit in the year it was earned.

Who Is Eligible For R&D Tax Incentive?

The Louisiana R&D tax incentive is available to businesses conducting research and development (R & R&D) in the state. The incentive is a credit against state income taxes, and it is available to both for-profit and not-for-profit businesses. There are a few eligibility requirements, however. Companies must be physically located in Louisiana, and they must be conducting R&D in one of the following areas:

• Science or technology
• Engineering
• Economic development
• Clinical trials or studies
• Food science or agriculture
• Forestry or wildlife management
• Aquaculture or marine biology
• Pharmaceuticals or biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Computer software or hardware design
• Any other area approved by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development

Can Universities Claim R&D Tax Credits?

Yes, universities can claim R&D tax credits. The credit is available to businesses conducting R&D in the state of Louisiana, and universities are considered businesses for this purpose. Universities must be physically located in Louisiana and conducting R&D in one of the eligible areas listed above.

When Can I Claim R&D Tax Credits?

R&D tax credits can be claimed for expenses incurred in the tax year for which the credit is being claimed. Credits can also be carried forward for up to five years if they cannot be used in earned years.

What Types of Expenses Can Be Claimed as R&D Tax Credits?

Businesses can claim credit for expenses related to their R&D activities. This includes employee wages, supplies, and equipment used in the R&D process. Businesses can also claim credit for costs associated with contracting with third-party researchers.

Although there are some specific eligibility requirements, the Louisiana R&D tax incentive is available to businesses of all sizes and industries. The credit can be used to offset state income taxes, and it can be claimed for expenses incurred in the current year or carried forward for up to five years. Universities can also claim the credit, and any business conducting R&D in an eligible area is eligible.