Akron R&D Tax Advisors
R&D Tax Credit
R&D Tax Credit Services for Akron, Ohio Businesses
Akron’s business landscape spans advanced manufacturing, polymer science, engineering, medical technology, software development, and product innovation. Across these sectors, companies improve products, refine processes, enhance software, test materials, and solve engineering challenges. Much of this work aligns with the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, even for businesses without formal R&D departments.
Since 2004, RCG has completed more than 25,000 R&D tax credit studies and identified over $750 million in federal and state tax savings. Our team includes CPAs, engineers, architects, technical specialists, and tax professionals who work exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Akron businesses trust RCG to document qualifying activities clearly and accurately.
Many companies assume the R&D Tax Credit only applies to large corporations. In reality, small and mid sized Akron organizations consistently perform technical work that meets IRS requirements. RCG identifies these activities and prepares the audit ready documentation your CPA needs.
What the R&D Tax Credit Is
The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive designed to support engineering development, testing, software enhancement, and process improvement. Akron companies do not need a research lab to qualify. Qualifying work often occurs during product design, prototype trials, material testing, production refinement, and system development.
Ohio also offers a state level R&D incentive depending on the company’s situation.
How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Akron Business
Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal and state benefits when applicable.
Improved cash flow through open tax year review: Companies often secure credits for open years, typically the last three, providing immediate financial value.
Support for continuous innovation: Testing, prototyping, engineering evaluation, and software development often meet IRS requirements.
Potential payroll tax benefit for eligible small businesses: Some early stage companies apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.
Recognition for technical progress: Work that improves systems, processes, products, and software aligns with the intent of the credit.
RCG evaluates Akron activities and prepares documentation that aligns with IRS guidelines.
What the R&D Tax Credit Does for Akron Operations
Akron companies engaged in engineering, testing, material science, polymer innovation, product design, and software development frequently perform qualifying work. When teams evaluate design alternatives, refine prototypes, improve efficiency, or solve technical challenges, their activities often align with R&D standards.
RCG reviews your development and improvement work, interprets technical details, and prepares a complete audit ready documentation package. Companies may also capture credits for open tax years, strengthening overall financial performance.
Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives
The R&D Tax Credit supports a wide range of Akron companies involved in technical improvement and development, including:
Manufacturing
Polymer and material science
Engineering and product design
Software development
Medical technology
Industrial technology
Tooling and fabrication
Specialized production
Eligibility depends on the technical nature of the work performed, not industry size.
Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit
Akron businesses qualify when they perform activities such as:
Engineering design and evaluation
Prototype development and refinement
Feasibility or early stage analysis
Materials, structural, or performance testing
Improving production efficiency
Enhancing product durability or functionality
Certification, compliance, or reliability testing
Modifying machinery or equipment
Developing or updating software
Implementing automation or control systems
Reviewing engineering and testing data
Using CAD or 3D modeling tools
RCG assesses how these efforts align with federal R&D requirements.
Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit
1. Identify qualifying activities
RCG evaluates your engineering, software, and development work.
2. Gather technical and financial details
We collect engineering notes, testing data, technical documentation, and qualified expense information.
3. Document qualifying projects
RCG prepares structured technical summaries using CrediTrak.
4. Evaluate qualified research expenses
We review wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to qualified activities.
5. Deliver audit ready documentation
Your CPA receives a complete filing package.
6. Provide clarification when needed
RCG responds if taxing authorities request additional information.
How the IRS Defines Qualified Research
| Requirement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Permitted Purpose | Work improves function, performance, reliability, or quality. |
| Elimination of Uncertainty | Teams resolve uncertainty related to capability, method, or design. |
| Process of Experimentation | Work includes testing, modeling, evaluating alternatives, or structured analysis. |
| Technological in Nature | Activities rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science. |
RCG helps Akron organizations understand how their activities fit these guidelines.
Documentation and Support
RCG prepares the detailed documentation required for an accurate and compliant filing, including:
Project descriptions
Technical summaries
Engineering and testing records
Qualified expense documentation
If taxing authorities request more information, RCG responds using the audit ready material prepared during your engagement.
How RCG Works With Your Akron Team
Initial Review – We learn about your Akron operations and identify qualifying technical activities.
Technical Discussions – Our specialists gather information about engineering, testing, software development, and production improvements.
CrediTrak Documentation – We organize technical activity and expense information using RCG’s proprietary platform.
Deliverables for Your CPA – We prepare an audit ready documentation package for accurate filing.
Support if Questions Arise – RCG provides clarification whenever your CPA or taxing authorities request more detail.
Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit
“We do not have a research lab.”
Most qualifying work occurs in engineering, testing, production, and software environments.
“We are not a high tech company.”
Many Akron manufacturers and engineering focused organizations qualify.
“We only improve existing products.”
Enhancements qualify when structured testing or evaluation is involved.
“This credit is only for large corporations.”
Small and mid sized Akron companies qualify every year.
“We do not develop new products.”
Improvements to existing systems or production methods qualify under federal rules.
“We already perform this work, so it probably does not count.”
Technical evaluation, testing, and problem solving align with IRS expectations.
Why Companies Across Akron Work With RCG
RCG combines accounting experience, engineering insight, and clear communication. Our specialists have documented thousands of R&D studies, giving us the expertise to recognize qualifying activities and present them in a clear, audit ready format.
We understand how engineering development, polymer and material testing, software refinement, and production improvement occur in real Akron operations. Our role is to translate this work into documentation that supports a compliant R&D Tax Credit filing.
Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review
If your Akron business is developing, testing, refining, or improving products or processes, you can qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your activities and prepares the documentation required for accurate filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Akron manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?
Yes. Many manufacturers refine production processes, enhance equipment performance, and improve product quality.
Do Akron software and technology companies qualify?
Yes. Software development often involves structured testing and technical refinement.
Can Akron engineering and product design firms qualify?
Yes. Modeling, prototyping, testing, and design adjustments meet R&D criteria.
Does process improvement qualify?
Yes. Enhancements to efficiency, reliability, and performance qualify when technical steps are involved.
Do we need new products to qualify?
No. Improvements to existing systems or production methods qualify.
What documentation is required?
Engineering notes, testing data, technical documents, project summaries, and expense records. RCG prepares a complete audit ready package.
What is the first step?
A conversation with RCG to determine whether your activities align with IRS expectations.
Our Serving Area
RCG assists clients in identifying and documenting available adoption assistance tax credits throughout the state of Ohio.
