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What is the R&D Tax Credit?
The R&D Tax Credit (26 U.S. Code §41) is a federal program that provides
businesses with dollar-for-dollar savings when they engage in activities such as
developing, designing, or improving products, processes, formulas, or software.
This credit can provide crucial cash flow that helps companies hire talent, expand facilities, reinvest in R&D, and scale faster. Originally introduced in 1981 to encourage innovation in the U.S., the program has since expanded to many states, making the benefit available across a wide range of industries.
R&D Tax Credit Platform
Curious about what you might be owed? Taxdrone.AI, our AI-driven R&D tax credit platform built on decades of experience, provides fast, precise, and award-winning results. Get a comprehensive analysis of your potential credits now.
Industries That Qualify
The R&D Tax Credit spans across diverse sectors. If your business innovates,
you likely qualify.
Don't see your industry? Contact Us to find out if you qualify.
Benefits of the R&D Tax Credit
Taking advantage of the R&D Tax Credit can lead to significant financial gains for
your business
Earning 12–16 cents in credits for every qualified dollar spent
Reducing federal and state tax liability dollar-for-dollar
Improving cash flow and overall financial health
Boosting earnings-per-share and lowering your effective tax rate
Carrying unused credits forward for up to 20 years
Applying credits to payroll taxes (for eligible startups)
Recovering unclaimed credits through lookback studies (typically 3 to 4 years)
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Qualifying Research Activities
The four-part test that defines what counts as qualified research activities under
the R&D Tax Credit program
Purpose of the Research
The activity should develop or improve a business component, such as a product, process, software, formula, technique, or invention, by enhancing functionality, performance, reliability, or quality.
Resolving Uncertainty
The work must address technical uncertainties, such as determining the optimal design, method, or approach to achieve the desired outcome. The results should not be known in advance.
Systematic Experimentation
Eligible research must follow a structured experimentation process, including trial and error, modeling, simulation, or testing alternatives to reach the intended improvement.
Technological Basis
The activity should develop or improve a business component, such as a product, process, software, formula, technique, or invention, by enhancing functionality, performance, reliability, or quality.