
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

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

KBKG to Host Webinar Series with AIA Los Angeles
07/26/2023KBKG to Host Webinar Series with AIA Los Angeles PASADENA, Calif. – 7/26/2023 – KBKG, a leading provider of turnkey tax services and solutions, is set to host a series of webinars alongside AIA Los Angeles on August 1 and August 8. The two-part series is to educate architects on effective cost-saving strategies through various … Read More

Everything You Need to Know About R&D Tax Credits
07/25/2023Everything You Need To Know About R&D Tax Credits Business owners often consider taxes an inconvenient but necessary part of everyday operations. However, a better understanding of taxes can save you money by taking advantage of various credits, such as the R&D tax credit. How does the R&D tax credit work? Get an in-depth look into everything … Read More

R&D Tax Credit for Software Development
07/25/2023R&D Tax Credit for Software Development Has your company paid to create or improve software? You may be eligible for the research and development tax credit for software companies. The government offers incentives for R&D software development, both domestically and internationally. What Is R&D Software Development? Companies do R&D projects to acquire knowledge as a long-term … Read More

Understanding the R&D Tax Credit for Manufacturing
07/20/2023Understanding the R&D Tax Credit for Manufacturing Innovation is at the heart of every successful manufacturing company. Businesses must find ways to improve, create more efficient processes, and develop new and valuable products. That innovation can be expensive. R&D tax credits for manufacturing can be helpful. Still, too many companies don’t know how to take advantage … Read More

R&D Tax Credits for Small Businesses
07/05/2023R&D Tax Credits for Small Businesses Did you know that businesses that engage in research and certain manufacturing processes may be eligible for a tax credit? The Research and Development tax credit, or R&D credit, may be able to reduce your small business’s tax burden and allow you to obtain funding for further research. To … Read More

Boost to Businesses – Build It In America Act
06/15/2023Boost to Businesses – Build It In America Act by Kevin Zolriasatain | Principal, KBKG, 6/15/2023 Tax Insight: Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit / Research and Expenditures On Tuesday, June 13, the House Ways and Means Committee approved three bills: the Small Business Jobs Act, or H.R. 3937, and the Build It in America Act, or … Read More