
What is the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit?
The R&D Tax Credit (26 U.S. Code §41), also known as the Research and Experimentation (R&E) tax credit, is a federal benefit that provides companies dollar-for-dollar cash savings for performing activities related to the development, design, or improvement of products, processes, formulas, or software. This credit provides much needed cash to hire additional employees, increase R&D, expand facilities, and more. The credit was enacted in 1981 to stimulate innovation and encourage investment in development in the US. Since then, many states have also passed the R&D Tax Credit. As such, this benefit is available across a wide variety of industries. Some of the common industries that qualify include, but are not limited to:
Estimate Your Benefits Instantly
Use our calculators for an estimate of state and federal benefits or to determine if you can offset payroll tax using the R&D tax credit. It's easy to use and free. If at any time you have questions, contact us. We are here to help you realize your maximum tax benefit.
What are the Potential Benefits of the R&D Tax Credit?
There are several benefits to realizing the R&D tax credit. These benefits can include the following:
- Receive up to 12-16 cents of federal and state R&D tax credits for every qualified dollar
- Create a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your federal and state income tax liability
- Increase earnings-per-share
- Reduce your effective tax rate
- Improve cash flow
- Carry forward the credit up to 20 years
- Perform look back studies to recognize unclaimed credits for open tax years (generally 3 or 4 years)
- Utilize the federal R&D tax credit against payroll tax (applicable to certain startup companies)
Four-Part Test
Qualified research activities are defined by the four-part test outlined below
Technological in Nature
Activities must fundamentally rely on the principles of physical or biological science, engineering, or computer science.
Permitted Purpose
Activities must be performed in an attempt to improve the functionality, performance, reliability, or quality of a new or existing business component.
Eliminate Uncertainty
Activities intended to discover information that could eliminate technical uncertainty concerning the development or improvement of a product.
Experimentation
All of the activities must include a process of experimentation including testing, modeling, simulating, systematic trial and error.
Research and Development Tax Insights

Qualifying AI for the RD Tax Credit | KBKG
11/21/2023Qualifying AI for the RD Tax Credit | KBKG Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently been a mainstay of news headlines worldwide, and for good reason. Publicly released AI tools now allow individuals and companies to generate images and text nearly indistinguishable from those created by humans. If you are a company or have a department … Read More

IRS Extends Transition Period for Perfecting R&D Tax Credit Claims
11/16/2023IRS Extends Transition Period for Perfecting R&D Tax Credit Claims Jonathan Tucker, Principal • Research & Development Tax Credit Services In this post, we discuss the recent IRS update as of October 30, 2023. The IRS has extended through January 10, 2025, the transition period for perfecting research credit refund claims prior to IRS’ final … Read More

The RD Tax Credit
11/14/2023The R&D Tax Credit – The Basics Nurturing and expanding a business in many industries often requires you to develop new technologies, systems, and products. This type of expansion and growth is not only vital to your business but the economy as a whole, which requires a significant degree of innovation to thrive. Innovation, however, … Read More

Reviving Michigan’s R&D Tax Credit
11/08/2023Reviving Michigan’s R&D Tax Credit Ever since Michigan moved from the Michigan Business Tax regime to the current Corporate Income Tax regime twelve years ago, Michigan taxpayers have not been afforded a state tax credit for their research and development expenditures. However, this may change in the coming weeks, as HB 5100 passed the Democrat-led … Read More

What Is the Difference Between Refundable and Non-Refundable Tax Credits?
10/31/2023What Is the Difference Between Refundable and Non-Refundable Tax Credits? CPAs are well aware of the intricate tax landscape clients face. Tax credits are essential in reducing their tax liability and maximizing their financial well-being. Among the various credits available, it’s important to understand refundable and non-refundable tax credits. Examine the difference between a refundable … Read More

Proposed Changes to Form 6765: Enhancing R&D Tax Credits
10/26/2023Proposed Changes to Form 6765: Enhancing R&D Tax Credits Thought Leadership by Kevin Zolriasatain | Principal, Research & Development Tax Credits Staying informed about regulatory updates is vital for tax professionals, especially when it comes to Research and Development (R&D) tax credits. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) made a significant announcement on Friday, September 15th, unveiling … Read More

Kansas Issues New Notice to the Research and Development Tax Credits
09/26/2023Kansas Issues New Notice to the Research and Development Tax Credits Thought Leadership by Jonathan Tucker, Principal – Research and Development Tax Credit Services As certified public accountants, staying abreast of changes in tax laws and regulations is crucial to best serve your clients. In this blog, we’ll dive into the recent amendments by House Bill … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: IRS Releases Guidance on Section 174 R&E Expenses
09/11/2023KBKG Tax Insight: IRS Releases Guidance on Section 174 R&E Expenses Monday, September 11, 2023 By Kevin Zolriasatain | Principal, Research & Development Tax Credits On Sept. 8, 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) unveiled Notice 2023-63. This significant and eagerly awaited update to tax regulations under Section 174 marks a pivotal moment in the realm … Read More

Wisconsin Department Revenue Updates Publication 131 – R&D Tax Credits
08/30/2023Wisconsin Department Revenue Updates Publication 131 – R&D Tax Credits Thought Leadership by Jonathan Tucker, Principal – Research and Development Tax Credit Services | KBKG Understanding tax incentives and research credits can often be as intricate as deciphering a complex puzzle. Fortunately, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue has developed the newly updated Publication 131, a … Read More

How Form 6765 Can Benefit Your Business
08/07/2023How Form 6765 Can Benefit Your Business Form 6765 is a document the Internal Revenue Service published as part of the tax code. The official name of the document is Credit for Increasing Research Activities. However, it is more informally called the R&D Tax Credit Form. It can be a valuable source of savings for your … Read More