The R&D Tax Credit is the most underutilized tax credit in the US, but it shouldn’t be! The misconception in understanding R&D qualification often accounts for the underutilization of the R&D Tax Credit. Did you know that over 65 industries are eligible? Learn more about the tax credit and find out how you qualify!

Introduction to the R&D Tax Credit

R&D Tax Credit Explained in One Minute!

How to determine if my business is eligible for the R&D Tax Credit?

A common misconception is that research and development only takes place in laboratories with scientists in lab coast, or in designated research and development departments. The reality is that the R&D tax credit is much more widely applicable, with virtually any industry potentially qualifying. The best way to determine if activities will qualify for the credit is through the IRS’ four part test.

In Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code, the IRS has laid out a four part test that must be met by companies aiming to claim the R&D Tax Credit. An activity that meets all four parts of the test is a qualifying research activity.

What research expenditures qualify for credit calculation?

Once it is determined there is qualified R&D, the associated expenses are then analyzed. The amount of eligible credit hinges on the underlying Qualified Research Expenditures (QREs) related to the qualifying research activities: what costs companies are allowed to include in their credit calculation. Qualified research expenses (QRE) include the salaries of people working on research and development projects, a portion of fees paid to outside contractors, the materials and supplies used in R&D prototyping, certain leased computer expenses, and research payments made to educational institutions or scientific research organizations.

Additionally, all QRE’s must be treated as expenses (instead of capitalized assets) on the company’s books under IRC Sec. 174 in order to be included in the credit calculation. The final step required to evidence the R&D tax credit is establishing nexus between the qualified research activity and the QRE. Essentially, linking the activities being performed to the costs that are being incurred. It’s also important to consider that expenditures must be associated with R&D activities conducted within the United States to qualify.

Before you count yourself out, read about these common myths that lead to companies thinking they may not qualify!

Tap into this underutilized incentive and calculate your credit!

Once it’s deemed that the activity meets the four-part test and the QRE’s are identified, the actual calculation of the credit begins. There are two methods to calculating the federal credit. The “Traditional Credit” calculation is 20% of a company’s qualified research expenditures exceeding a calculated base amount during their tax year. The “Alternative Simplified Credit” calculation method is also available, which is 14% of a company’s qualified research expenditures exceeding a calculated base amount. Generally, a company is allowed to claim whichever method results in a larger credit. The federal credit is calculated and claimed by filing form 6765 which is submitted alongside a company’s Federal income tax return.

A credit calculated for the tax year may be utilized in the current tax year as a dollar for dollar offset against any federal income tax liability. If the credit amount surpasses the amount of federal income tax liability, the unused portion of the credit may be carried forward for twenty tax years, or carried back one tax year and applied against federal income tax liability.

A company is able to “look back” three tax years to retroactively apply for the credit. A retroactive credit can be used for the applicable tax year to generate a refund, or carried forward within the twenty year period.

IRC Sec 174 requires taxpayers to reduce their deductible research and development expenses by the amount of any research tax credit computed. This is known as 280c election, which is a box checked on form 6765, which can only be made on an originally filed tax return. A 280c statement must be included with the form 6765 when filed.

The credit may be applied for every year that the company conducts R&D activity. Eligible companies may also choose to apply the R&D credit towards their payroll taxes. This is known as the Payroll Tax Credit (form 8974), which can be used by qualified small businesses.

What documents are needed to calculate the credit?