for the R&D Tax Credit
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R&D Tax Credit
PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES
R&D Tax Credits for the Automotive Industry
Refunds are available for companies performing research within the Automotive Industry. The research credit provides dollar-for-dollar cash savings each year for companies performing activities related to the development of new or improved products and processes. These benefits could provide much needed cash to hire additional employees, increase R&D, expand production facilities, etc.
Many companies involved with automotive processes are unaware that their efforts within designing and developing their products can yield a large amount of research credits. Examples of R&D activities related to the industry as well as potentially qualifying job titles are listed below.
Examples of Qualifying R&D Activities
- Computer-aided design (CAD), modeling, and simulation of parts
- Designing and testing prototypes such as vehicle body, alternator, battery, serpentine belts, drivetrain system, transmissions, airbags, brakes, tires, windows, and electrical components
- Improving efficiencies in manufacturing processes of the automotive body and internal components
- Improving existing parts to increase performance and reliability
- Testing automotive parts to meet regulatory compliance and safety requirements
Potentially Qualifying R&D Job Titles
- Automotive Engineers
- Brake Specialists
- Electrical Engineers
- Engineering Managers
- Production Engineers
- Production Supervisors
AMT Offset
For tax years beginning after December 31, 2015, eligible small businesses (those with $50 million or less of gross receipts) may claim the research credit against AMT liability.
Up to $250,000 in Payroll Tax
Qualified start-up companies may elect to use up to $250,000 of the research credit against payroll taxes. Treasury Regulations have substantially broadened the range of taxpayers who are eligible for the credit. Start-ups to publicly traded businesses who were previously unable to realize a benefit from this lucrative tax credit should reassess their eligibility.
Estimate Your Benefits with our FREE Calculators
Use our calculators for an estimate of state and federal R&D tax credit 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.
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Research and Development Tax Credit Insights

Have a Fat Tax Bill? Have You Thought About the R&D Tax Credit?
01/11/2021Are you a business owner that is unhappy with your recent tax bill? If you have not explored it yet, the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit can provide significant benefits to your business’ bottom line. Chances are you could be missing out on a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your federal and state income tax liability. … Read More

The Differences Between LB&I and SB/SE Research Credit Adjustments
10/29/2020Let’s assume a scenario where you filed for the credit for increasing research (“R&D credit”) and the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) selected your return for examination/audit. At the conclusion of the audit, the IRS has two basic options: a “no change” or a “disallowance.” As much as everyone would like to receive a “no change,” … Read More
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[Updated] KBKG Tax Insight: R&D Tax Credits – Protective 280C(c)(3) Elections
09/16/2020Updated September 16, 2020 The Section 41 Research Credit was enacted in 1981 as a temporary code section and made permanent with the passage of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (“PATH”) Act of 2015. The research credit is an incentive providing taxpayers across all industries, performing qualified activities, the opportunity to reduce their tax … Read More

Top 8 Benefits of the R&D Tax Credit
08/05/2020The research and development tax credit is one of the most valuable credits leveraged by innovators and entrepreneurs since its inception in 1981. While the credit has been around for almost 40 years, renewed focus on research and development has created opportunities for even more businesses to take advantage. Curious to know more? Here are … Read More

IRS Debunks Tax Refund Myths
07/23/2020The following article is written by the IRS. View the original source here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-debunks-tax-refund-myths. WASHINGTON ― With the July 15 tax deadline now past, the Internal Revenue Service reminds all taxpayers that there is no secret way to find out when a refund will be issued. Most taxpayers have already filed their federal tax return, … Read More

Introducing KBKG’s New Video Series: R&D Tax Credit Audit Defense with Jack Jolly and Mark Bodenstab
07/20/2020Many companies are hesitant to take advantage of the Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit for fear of a possible IRS audit. In our first 2 minute video, former IRS engineering officials discuss how many companies can avoid IRS scrutiny by properly describing their research activities. KBKG’s IRS Audit Defense videos give a better understanding … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: Senate Finance Committee Discusses Potential for New Coronavirus Bill that Would Allow Accelerated Federal Tax Breaks
06/23/2020As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the country and economy, the Senate Finance Committee is continuing to discuss ways to help American businesses weather the storm. According to insiders, the potential proposal, which could be as large as $1 Trillion in relief funds, will include a provision that would remove limitations on businesses that … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: Which IRS Division is Conducting Your R&D Credit Exam? The Answer is Crucial
06/01/2020As featured in Accounting Today The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collected nearly $3.4 trillion through more than 160 million individual and business tax returns during Fiscal Year 2018. For all this revenue, approximately 991,000 returns were examined, representing less than one percent of all tax returns filed. The number of examinations conducted to uphold enforcement … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: New and Improved Changes to Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit: Furthering the American Recovery from the Coronavirus
05/06/2020Senator Chris Coons of Delaware recently introduced legislation (S. 3593) called “Furthering Our Recovery With American Research & Development Act” (“FORWARD”), which makes changes to and expands Internal Revenue Code Section 41: Credit for Increasing Research Activities (“IRC 41”). Applying these modifications to the existing law could allow companies that invest in the research and … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: R&D Studies Can Make Audits Easier and the Credits More Sustainable
04/28/2020As featured in Accounting Today Internal Revenue Service examinations of the research tax credit can burden both the client and the IRS. Throughout most of its decades-long history, research credit audits have exposed areas of misunderstanding and, in many circumstances, led to major disagreements. There is little “bright line” guidance, and each examiner must consider … Read More