Cincinnati R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for Cincinnati, Ohio Businesses

Cincinnati’s business community includes manufacturing, engineering, consumer products, medical technology, industrial systems, and software development. Across these sectors, teams refine designs, improve processes, enhance systems, and solve technical challenges every day. This work often qualifies for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit even when a company does not operate a formal research facility.


Since 2004, RCG has completed more than 25,000 R&D tax credit studies and identified more than $750 million in federal and state tax savings. Our specialists include CPAs, engineers, architects, tax experts, and technical professionals who work exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Cincinnati organizations rely on this depth of experience to document qualifying work clearly, accurately, and compliantly.


Many companies assume the R&D Tax Credit only applies to large or high-tech corporations. In reality, small and mid-sized Cincinnati businesses frequently perform qualifying technical activities. RCG helps identify these opportunities and prepares audit-ready documentation that supports accurate filing by 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.


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

How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Cincinnati Business

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

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

Support for innovation and technical progress: Testing, prototyping, software refinement, and engineering evaluation qualify when technical steps are involved.

Potential payroll tax offset for eligible startups: Some early-stage companies apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.

Recognition for technical contributions: The credit supports work invested in improving products, systems, processes, and manufacturing methods.

RCG evaluates which Cincinnati activities qualify and prepares the documentation required for accurate filing.

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

Cincinnati companies often conduct qualifying work when they:

Develop prototypes

Improve manufacturing processes

Evaluate design alternatives

Refine system performance

Enhance software functionality

Conduct technical testing or analysis

Many organizations do not realize that these routine activities align with IRS criteria. RCG interprets the technical details and prepares audit-ready documentation. When eligible, companies also claim credits for open tax years, improving overall financial performance.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

Cincinnati companies often conduct qualifying work when they:

Manufacturing

Engineering and product development

Consumer products

Medical and scientific technology

Software and IT

Industrial technology

Fabrication and tooling

Specialized production

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

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Cincinnati companies qualify when they perform activities such as:

Feasibility analysis

Engineering evaluations

Prototype development and refinement

Material, structural, or performance testing

Improving production efficiency

Enhancing product functionality

Certification or durability testing

Equipment modification

Developing or updating software

Implementing automation systems

Reviewing engineering or testing data

Using CAD or 3D modeling tools

RCG evaluates how your activities align with federal guidelines for qualified research.

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying activities

     RCG reviews your engineering, development, and improvement work.

  • 2. Gather technical and financial documentation

    We assist with collecting engineering notes, testing data, and qualified expense details.

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    RCG prepares organized technical summaries using CrediTrak.

  • 4. Review qualified research expenses

    We assess wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to qualifying activities.

  • 5. Deliver documentation to your CPA

    We provide a complete, audit-ready documentation package for accurate filing.

  • 6. Provide clarification when needed

    If taxing authorities request additional information, RCG responds using the documentation created.

How the IRS Defines Qualified Research

Requirement Meaning
Permitted Purpose Work improves function, performance, reliability, or quality.
Elimination of Uncertainty The team resolves uncertainty around capability, method, or design.
Process of Experimentation Work includes evaluating alternatives through testing, modeling, or structured analysis.
Technological in Nature Activities rely on engineering, science, or computer science principles.

RCG helps Cincinnati companies understand how their projects fit these criteria.

Documentation and Support

RCG prepares complete, audit-ready documentation including:

Technical narratives

Project descriptions

Engineering/testing details

Activity explanations

Qualified expense records

If taxing authorities request clarification, RCG provides responses using the documentation prepared during your engagement.

How RCG Works With Your Cincinnati Team

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

Technical Discussions – We gather engineering, testing, production, and software details.

CrediTrak Documentation –  We organize project and expense data using our proprietary platform.

Deliverables for Your CPA – We provide complete, audit-ready documentation.

Support if Questions Arise – RCG offers clarification whenever needed.

Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit

“We do not have a research lab.”

 Most qualifying work happens in engineering, production, or software environments.


“We are not a technology company.”

 Many Cincinnati manufacturers and service-based companies qualify.


“We only enhance existing products.”

 Refinement qualifies when structured evaluation is involved.


“This credit is only for large corporations.”

 Small and mid-sized Cincinnati companies qualify consistently.


“We do not create new products.”

 Improvements to existing systems, processes, or software qualify.


“We already perform this work, so it probably does not count.”

 Testing, evaluating alternatives, and solving technical challenges align with IRS expectations.

Why Companies Across Cincinnati Work With RCG

RCG combines accounting expertise, engineering understanding, and practical communication. Our team has documented thousands of R&D studies and understands how technical work happens in real operations.


We translate engineering, production, software development, and technical testing into clear documentation that supports a fully compliant R&D Tax Credit filing.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

If your Cincinnati business is developing, refining, testing, 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 Cincinnati manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?

    Yes. Many improve production quality, tooling, materials, and processes in ways that qualify.

  • Do Cincinnati software or IT companies qualify?

    Yes. Software development often involves structured testing, refinement, and problem-solving.

  • Do engineering and design firms qualify?

    Yes. Prototyping, modeling, technical revisions, and performance testing frequently qualify.

  • Does process improvement qualify?

    Yes. Enhancing efficiency, performance, reliability, or quality qualifies when technical steps are involved.

  • Do we need new products to qualify?

    No. Improvements to existing products or systems qualify.

  • What documentation is required?

    Engineering notes, testing data, technical documents, project descriptions, and qualified expense information.

  • What is the first step?

    A conversation with RCG to confirm whether your activities meet IRS guidelines.

Our Serving Area

RCG assists clients in identifying and documenting available adoption assistance tax credits throughout the state of Ohio.