R&D Tax Credit Calculator

Estimate potential 2026 federal and state research credit benefits using KBKG’s FREE R&D tax credit calculator.

Note: Calculator results are estimates only. Actual credit amounts depend on each company’s facts, expenses, documentation, and applicable federal and state rules. For specific questions or a detailed review, please contact one of our R&D tax experts. 

In 2026, qualification still depends on whether activities are technical in nature, intended to develop or improve a product or process, involve technical uncertainty, and rely on a process of experimentation. Wages, supplies, cloud computing costs, and certain contractor costs may be included, while state credit rules and rates vary. 

See if you qualify. 

Industries That May Qualify 

Many types of businesses may be eligible for the R&D tax credit when they invest in technical development, improvement, experimentation, or process innovation. Common industries include, but are not limited to: 

Example R&D Activities

Companies may have qualifying research activities when they are working to create, improve, test, or validate technical products, processes, formulas, software, or production methods. Examples can include: 

  • Creating or improving products, software, formulas, or production processes.  
  • Engineering and designing new or improved products.  
  • Researching technical approaches, materials, methods, or performance improvements.  
  • Comparing design alternatives and evaluating technical feasibility.  
  • Making significant changes to a product concept, design, or technical specification.  
  • Building, testing, and refining prototypes or pre-production models.  
  • Analyzing system requirements, functionality, integration, or process models.  
  • Experimenting with new technologies or materials to improve manufactured products.  
  • Testing for performance, reliability, quality, durability, or similar technical goals.  
  • Developing production methods during prototyping, pilot, or pre-production phases.  
  • Working with outside technical consultants or contractors on eligible development work.  

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