R&D Tax Credits for the Software Development Industry

Refunds are available for companies performing research within the Software Development 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 software development 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

Alpha / Beta testing
Application and platform design and testing
Coding, programming, testing (e.g., functional, integration, user interface)
Developmental cloud computing activities
New architectures, new algorithms, or new database management techniques
Software and hardware product development related to communication and interaction
Specialized technology design (e.g., image processing, artificial intelligence, or speech recognition)
System software development (e.g., operating systems, compilers)

Potentially Qualifying R&D Job Titles

Director of Software Engineering
Programmer
Senior Technical Leads
Software Analyst
Software Developers
Software Integration Engineers

AMT Offset up to $250,000 in Payroll Tax

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. In addition, qualified start-up companies may elect to use up to $250,000 of the research credit against payroll taxes.

The U.S. Treasury Department released new regulations regarding internal use software (IUS) and its eligibility for the R&D tax credit. The clarification around IUS, which is defined as software used in general and administrative functions, makes it possible for additional software developers who were involved in internal use software development to be included in the R&D tax credit incentives.

[PRESS RELEASE] Jonathan Tucker Joins KBKG as Director of Research & Development Tax Credits

08/29/2019

We recently added Research & Development Tax Credits Director Jonathan Tucker to our Southeast office‘s team of experts. Jon brings over 15 years of experience providing federal business tax advisory services to clients in various industries including technology, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, retail and consumer products, hospitality, media and entertainment, financial and other professional services industries. … Read More

R&D Director Paul McVoy Relocates to KBKG’s New York Office

08/19/2019

We are excited to announce that we are expanding our New York City office in Midtown with the addition of Research & Development Tax Credit Service Director Paul McVoy, who is relocating from KBKG’s Pasadena Headquarters. While KBKG has had a strong presence in the New York City area for several years, Paul’s addition will … Read More

[INTERVIEW] Mark Bodenstab, Director of Research & Development Tax Credits

08/12/2019

We recently had the opportunity to interview our newest R&D Tax Credit team member, Mark Bodenstab. Mark joined KBKG after retiring from the IRS and will be a national Director providing services out of the Northeast office. In his role at KBKG, Mark will serve in a similar capacity to Jack Jolly who is a … Read More

[PRESS RELEASE] Former IRS Executive, Mark Bodenstab, Joins KBKG as Director of Research & Development Tax Credits

07/30/2019

Pasadena, California – July 30,2019 – Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG adds another former IRS manager to their team of experts. Mark Bodenstab joins as the firm’s Director of Research & Development Tax Credits with over 30 years combined at the IRS and in the private sector. Mark joined the IRS as a general engineer … Read More

There’s Still Time to Claim the R&D Tax Credit on Extension [Infographic]

06/18/2019

Are you or your clients interested in claiming the R&D Tax Credit? Good news. There is still time to perform a study for inclusion on your extended returns, but you must act fast. Time is running out. What is the R&D Tax Credit? The Research and Development Tax Credit can be applied to qualified research … Read More

Have a Fat Tax Bill? Have You Thought About the R&D Tax Credit?

04/19/2019

Are 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

Myth – Claiming R&D Tax Credit Increases the Likelihood of an IRS Audit

04/08/2019

The Research & Development Tax Credit is a federal benefit (also available in many states) that was enacted to promote growth, innovation, and inspire advancements in all areas and facets of business. The credit is an undoubtedly beneficial incentive for businesses large and small. However, many companies are hesitant to take advantage of the credit … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: R&D Tax Credits – Protective 280C(c)(3) Elections

02/07/2019

Calculating and documenting the Internal Revenue Code Section 41 Credit for Increasing Research Activities (“Research Credit” or “R&D Credit”) is an intricate and often burdensome undertaking. This process is complicated during the throes of busy season. Fortunately, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has afforded taxpayers additional time to claim a R&D credit via making a … Read More

Own a Start-up or Small Business? You May Qualify for Federal Research Credits.

01/08/2019

Billions of dollars worth of research credits go unclaimed every year in the United States. This is primarily due to many taxpayers not being aware of the credit or not quite understanding it. In addition, when a reference is made to research and development (“R&D”), taxpayers often think about lab coats and test tubes. In … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: Now Permanent, R&D Tax Credit Offers Unique Opportunity for Manufacturers

10/01/2018

With the Research & Development (“R&D”) Tax Credit now permanent and expanded, more and more businesses are taking full advantage of this valuable credit. As manufacturing continues to be a mainstay in the American economy, it’s crucial for owners and operators of these facilities to maximize the opportunity provided by the federal government (some states … Read More

R&D Tax Credits for the Software Development Industry

Examples of Qualifying R&D Activities

Potentially Qualifying R&D Job Titles

AMT Offset up to $250,000 in Payroll Tax

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