South Carolina R&D Tax Credit
Save tens of thousands on by significantly reducing your taxable income.


R&D tax credits for Iowa
South Carolina’s R&D offers a tax credit for businesses that increase their qualifying research activities. The R&D Tax Credit is based on Internal Revenue Code Section 41, which focuses on qualified expenditures. The South Carolina tax credit calculation is based solely on money spent on research and development within the state.
This credit can be an excellent incentive for businesses to invest in research and development in South Carolina. The credit can help enterprises offset some of the costs associated with these activities, making it a valuable tool for promoting innovation and growth in the state.
- This law is applicable under South Carolina Code Section 12-6-3415.
- The research must be within the state of South Carolina.
- The credit is five percent (5%) of the qualified research expenses in South Carolina.
- R&D Tax Credits should not be more than 50% of the company’s tax liability in South Carolina.
- The state also allows a 10-year carryf orward timeframe for any unused R&D Tax Credit.
What Qualifies As R&D For Tax Credit?
The South Carolina Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit Program offers a tax credit for businesses that incur qualified research and development expenses in the state. The R&D Tax Credit program is available to all businesses with operations in South Carolina, including corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietorships.The credit equals 25% of the qualified research and development expenses, with a maximum credit of $125,000 per year. The credit is available for the four tax years following the year in which the expenses are incurred.
To qualify for the credit, the research and development must meet all three of the following conditions:
- The research and development are conducted in South Carolina.
- Research and development are new or improved products or processes.
- The research and development are technological.
Qualified research and development expenses include wages, supplies, contract research fees, and other costs directly related to qualified research and development. Purchases of land, buildings, and equipment do not qualify for the credit.
Does South Carolina Have A Credit For Taxes Paid On Other States?
No. South Carolina does not offer a credit for taxes paid on income earned in other states. The R&D Tax Credit is available for businesses with operations in South Carolina, regardless of where the research and development are conducted.
Although the R&D Tax Credit is based on federal law, there are some essential differences between the South Carolina credit and the federal credit. For example, the South Carolina credit equals 25% of the qualified research and development expenses, while the federal credit is equal to 20% of the qualified research and development expenses.
In addition, the federal credit is available for the five tax years following the year in which the expenses are incurred, while the South Carolina credit is available for the four tax years following the year in which the expenses are incurred.
The R&D Tax Credit is an essential tool for businesses that want to invest in research and development in South Carolina. The credit can help businesses offset some of the costs associated with these activities, making it a valuable tool for promoting innovation and growth in the state.


How Do I Apply For The Credit?
Businesses must complete Form SC R&D-1, South Carolina Research and Development Credit Application, to qualify for the credit. The application is available on the South Carolina Department of Revenue website.
Businesses should submit the completed application and all supporting documentation to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The department will review the application and determine if the company is eligible for the credit.
If You Could Save Money On Your Taxes, Wouldn’t You?
