R&D Tax Credit Services

Turning ingenuity into impact.

What if your next breakthrough could fuel your business and bottom line? Innovation isn’t just about what you create; it’s about the value you unlock. Every day, organizations push boundaries in technology, engineering, and science. Many are unaware that their pursuit of progress can unlock powerful R&D tax incentives. The research and development tax credit is a catalyst for growth, enabling companies to reinvest in their people, ideas, and future.

Our R&D Tax Credit team helps visionary leaders identify and substantiate the work that drives business transformation.

Understanding the Research & Development Tax Credit

Are you designing new or improved products, refining processes, or developing software? Have your teams solved complex challenges or created intellectual property? If so, you may be eligible to claim federal and state R&D tax credits. These credits can help you recoup up to 10% of eligible spend in the form of federal credits, and with 36 states offering credits, you may be eligible for additional incentives.

Our national team includes CPAs, engineers, legal professionals, and data scientists—bringing together diverse perspectives and deep technical knowledge. We leverage proprietary technology and well-documented processes to help deliver clarity, confidence, and measurable results for your business.

Eligibility Criteria for R&D Tax Credits

Determining eligibility is the first step toward claiming these valuable incentives. While the rules can be complex, many common business activities qualify. We can help you assess your operations against the key criteria.

Qualifying Activities: What Counts as R&D?

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  Product & Process Development: Creating new products or improving existing ones. This includes enhancements to performance, reliability, quality, or cost
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  Engineering: All disciplines, including software, hardware, and manufacturing process engineering
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  Prototyping & Pilot Models: Designing, building, and testing prototypes to evaluate new concepts and technologies
• 
  Software Development: Creating new software or significantly improving existing software for internal use or for sale
• 
  Intellectual Property Creation: Developing patents, trade secrets, and other forms of intellectual property
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  Scientific Research: Work in biological and physical sciences aimed at advancing scientific knowledge
• 
  Direct Supervision & Support: The wages for employees who directly supervise or support qualified research activities

Qualified Research Expenses (QREs)

Once qualifying activities are identified, the next step is to calculate the associated expenses. These typically fall into four main categories:

• Wages
• Supplies
• Contractor Costs
• Computer Leasing & Rental (Cloud Hosting)

How to Claim & Report R&D Tax Credits

Claiming the R&D tax credit involves a detailed process of identification, documentation, and calculation. Our streamlined, technology-driven approach helps reduce disruption to your team while enhancing your benefit.

1. Feasibility & Scoping: We start with a preliminary assessment to determine your eligibility and estimate the potential credit benefit.
2. Data Collection: We use proprietary, AI-powered technology to automate information gathering, including technical interviews, project surveys, and contemporaneous documentation.
3. Calculation & Documentation: Our professionals calculate the credit and prepare the in-depth documentation required to help substantiate your claim and make it defensible upon audit.
4. Claim and Defense: We assist with filing the necessary forms and provide IRS and state audit defense to help support your claim.

Our Technology-Driven R&D Tax Credit Approach

We believe the best solutions come from collaboration and curiosity. Our process is designed to help reduce disruption and enhance your impact. Forvis Mazars’ web-based R&D Credit technology is secure and delivers true end-to-end automation with no installation required.

From data collection to final deliverables, our software streamlines every step. Clients benefit from secure document uploads, custom surveys, and real-time dashboards for tracking progress. Built-in AI assists with technical documentation, while automated QRE computations and federal/state credit calculations drive consistency. With role-based access and direct feedback tools, our technology helps reduce manual overhead and accelerates timelines, all while providing clear visibility and actionable insights.

Our engagement teams are partner-led, and we deliver weekly project status dashboards to foster transparency and build trust. With a global network spanning more than 100 countries, we’re equipped to support your goals wherever they lead.

Our R&D Tax Credit Services

We offer a full suite of R&D tax credit consulting services tailored to your business goals:

• Preliminary Feasibility, Scoping, & Planning
• Full Implementation, Computation, & Documentation (Including ASC 730 Directive)
• IRS & State Audit Defense & Administrative Appeals
• Estimated Tax Payment Assistance
• Technical Position Development
• ASC 740 Tax Provision & Uncertain Tax Position Analysis

Ready to turn your innovation into a powerful financial asset? Contact Us.