Bowling Green R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for Bowling Green, Ohio Businesses

Bowling Green organizations across manufacturing, engineering, agriculture technology, industrial automation, product development, and software continuously refine processes, test improvements, enhance performance, and solve technical challenges. These activities frequently qualify for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit even for companies without formal research labs.


Since 2004, RCG has completed more than 25,000 R&D tax credit studies, identifying over $750 million in federal and state tax savings. Our specialists include CPAs, engineers, architects, technical analysts, and tax experts who work exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Companies in Bowling Green and the surrounding Northwest Ohio region rely on RCG for clear, accurate, audit-ready documentation.


Many local businesses believe the R&D Tax Credit only applies to large or high-tech companies. In reality, small and mid-sized Bowling Green organizations perform qualifying engineering, testing, and improvement work every year. RCG helps identify these activities and prepares compliant documentation for your CPA.

What the R&D Tax Credit Is

The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive that supports engineering development, experimentation, testing, software enhancement, and technical improvement. Cincinnati companies do not need a research lab to qualify. Much of the eligible work happens during normal engineering, production, product development, and software cycles.


  • Prototype creation and refinement
  • Material or performance testing
  • Engineering design evaluation
  • Production efficiency improvements
  • Software development, updates, and troubleshooting
  • Equipment and automation upgrades


Ohio also offers a state-level incentive depending on your company’s circumstances.

How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Bowling Green Business

Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal and when applicable, state tax savings.

Improved cash flow:  Businesses often secure credits for open tax years, typically the last three, providing immediate financial value when eligible.

Support for ongoing engineering and innovation: Engineering analysis, prototyping, testing, and software development often qualify when technical steps are involved.

Payroll tax benefit for eligible startups and early-stage companies: Certain small businesses may apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.

Recognition for technical progress: Work that improves products, systems, processes, or software aligns with the intent of the R&D Tax Credit.

RCG evaluates Bowling Green projects and prepares documentation that supports accurate filing.

What the R&D Tax Credit Can Do for Your Bowling Green Operations

Bowling Green companies perform qualifying work during everyday engineering, testing, development, and improvement activities, including:

Prototype evaluation and redesign

Improving production reliability

Conducting performance or durability testing

Refining equipment or tooling

Developing or enhancing software

Integrating automation

Improving workflow efficiency or product performance

Many organizations are surprised to learn that their daily operations align with IRS R&D criteria. RCG translates this technical work into audit-ready documentation to support accurate filing.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

The R&D Tax Credit applies to a wide range of Bowling Green organizations involved in technical development or improvement, including:

Manufacturing

Engineering and product design

Agricultural and environmental technology

Software and IT development

Industrial automation

Scientific and medical development

Fabrication, machining, and tooling

Specialty production and prototyping

Eligibility is based on the technical nature of the work, not company size or industry label.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Bowling Green companies often qualify when they perform work such as:

Engineering evaluations

Prototype development and refinement

Feasibility analysis and early-stage testing

Material, performance, or reliability testing

Improving production efficiency or throughput

Enhancing product or system functionality

Certification or compliance testing

Modifying machinery or equipment

Developing or updating software systems

Implementing automation or control solutions

Reviewing engineering and testing data

Using CAD or 3D modeling tools

RCG determines which activities meet federal R&D requirements.

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying activities

    RCG reviews your engineering, production, and software development activities.

  • 2. Gather documentation

    We collect engineering notes, testing information, technical data, and qualified expense records.

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    RCG prepares structured technical summaries using CrediTrak, our proprietary documentation platform.

  • 4. Evaluate qualified research expenses

    We review wages, supply costs, and contractor expenses tied to qualifying activities.

  • 5. Deliver audit-ready documentation

    Your CPA receives a complete filing package.

  • 6. Provide clarification as needed

     If taxing authorities request additional detail, RCG responds using the documentation created during your engagement.

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 involves testing, modeling, prototyping, or evaluating alternatives.
Technological in Nature Activities rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science.

RCG helps Bowling Green companies understand how their activities meet these standards.

Documentation and Support

RCG prepares all documentation necessary for a compliant R&D filing, including:

Technical activity summaries

Project descriptions

Engineering and testing documentation

Qualified expense details

If additional information is requested, RCG responds using the audit-ready documentation developed during your project.

How RCG Works With Your Bowling Green Team

Initial Review –  We learn about your operations and identify technical activities.

Technical Discussions – Our CPAs and engineers gather detailed engineering, testing, and software information.

CrediTrak Documentation –  We organize activity and expense data through our proprietary platform.

Deliverables for Your CPA –  RCG prepares a complete, audit-ready package for accurate filing.

Support if Questions Arise –  RCG provides clarification whenever needed.

Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit

“We do not have a research lab.”

Most qualifying work occurs on shop floors, in engineering offices, and within software teams.


“We are not a high-tech company.”

Many Bowling Green manufacturers, engineering firms, and service-based companies qualify.


“We only enhance existing products.”

Enhancements qualify when testing or technical evaluation is involved.


“This credit is only for large corporations.”

Small and mid-sized organizations in Bowling Green qualify frequently.


“We do not create new products.”

Improving existing systems, tooling, or processes often meets IRS standards.


“We already perform this work, so it probably doesn’t count.”

Testing ideas, solving technical problems, and evaluating alternatives frequently qualify.

Why Bowling Green Companies Work With RCG

RCG combines tax expertise, engineering insight, and clear communication. Our specialists have completed thousands of R&D studies, giving us a strong understanding of how qualifying work happens in real-world operations.


We translate your engineering, testing, development, and production work into compliant, audit-ready documentation that supports the R&D Tax Credit.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

If your Bowling Green company is developing, refining, testing, or improving products or processes, you may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your activities and prepares the documentation required for accurate filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are Bowling Green manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?

    Yes. Many manufacturers improve materials, tooling, production processes, and product performance.

  • Do software and IT companies qualify?

    Yes. Software development often includes testing, refinement, and technical problem-solving.

  • Do engineering and design firms qualify?

    Yes. Modeling, prototyping, and design refinement frequently meet IRS criteria.

  • Does the credit apply to process improvements?

    Yes. Performance, efficiency, quality, and reliability improvements often qualify.

  • Do we need new products to qualify?

    No. Enhancements to existing products or systems can qualify.

  • What documentation is required?

    Engineering notes, testing data, project summaries, and qualified expense records. RCG prepares the full 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.