Columbus R&D Tax Advisors
R&D Tax Credit
R&D Tax Credit Services for Columbus, Ohio Businesses
Columbus is one of Ohio’s most active hubs for innovation and technical development. Companies across manufacturing, engineering, software, scientific research, healthcare technology, consumer products, and industrial systems improve processes, refine designs, and solve technical challenges every day. Much of this work qualifies for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit even without a formal research facility.
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, tax specialists, and technical professionals who work exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Columbus organizations rely on RCG for accurate, audit-ready documentation that supports a compliant filing.
Many businesses assume the R&D incentive is only for large corporations. In reality, small and mid-sized companies across Columbus frequently perform technical work that meets IRS criteria. RCG identifies these opportunities and prepares the documentation required for submitting the credit accurately.
What the R&D Tax Credit Is
The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive designed to support technical development, experimentation, engineering, and process improvement. Qualifying work does not require a research lab. Columbus companies often perform eligible activities during:
Engineering design
Prototype development
Testing and evaluation
Software enhancement
Production refinement
Ohio also offers its own R&D-related incentive depending on the company’s circumstances.
How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Columbus Business
Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal tax credits and, when applicable, state benefits.
Improved cash flow: Columbus businesses can claim credits for open tax years, typically the last three, creating immediate financial value when eligible.
Support for ongoing innovation: Prototyping, software development, testing, and technical evaluation often qualify when structured analysis is involved.
Recognition for technical improvement: Work that improves systems, product performance, reliability, or efficiency aligns with the intent of the credit.
RCG evaluates Columbus operations and prepares documentation that satisfies IRS requirements.
What the R&D Tax Credit Can Do for Your Columbus Operations
Columbus businesses routinely perform qualifying activities as part of normal operations. When teams test ideas, refine prototypes, evaluate alternatives, solve engineering challenges, or improve production efficiency, they perform work that aligns with R&D standards.
RCG reviews your development and testing activities, interprets the technical details, and prepares a complete audit-ready documentation package. Eligible companies also capture credits for open tax years, strengthening cash flow and strategic investment capacity.
Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives
Businesses across Columbus benefit from the credit, including companies involved in:
Manufacturing
Engineering and product development
Software and IT
Healthcare and scientific technology
Industrial and automation systems
Consumer product innovation
Tooling and fabrication
Eligibility depends on the technical nature of the activities, not on the company’s size or label.
Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit
Columbus organizations qualify when they perform activities such as:
Engineering design and feasibility evaluations
Prototype development and refinement
Material, mechanical, or performance testing
Improving production efficiency
Enhancing product or system functionality
Certification, validation, or durability testing
Modifying equipment to improve performance
Updating or developing software applications
Integrating automation or new control systems
Reviewing and analyzing technical data
CAD modeling or 3D design work
RCG identifies which activities meet IRS expectations for qualified research.
Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit
1. Identify qualifying activities
RCG determines whether your engineering, testing, software, and development work qualifies.
2. Gather technical and financial information
We collect engineering notes, testing data, technical documents, and expense details.
3. Document qualifying projects
RCG prepares structured technical summaries using CrediTrak, our proprietary system.
4. Evaluate qualified research expenses
We confirm eligible wages, supplies, and contractor costs.
5. Deliver documentation to your CPA
Your CPA receives a complete, audit-ready package for filing.
6. Provide clarification when needed
RCG responds to taxing authorities using 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, evaluating alternatives, or structured analysis. |
| Technological in Nature | Activities rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science. |
RCG helps Columbus companies understand how their work aligns with these federal standards.
Documentation and Support
RCG prepares all documentation required for accurate filing, including:
Technical summaries
Project descriptions
Engineering/testing records
Qualified expense documentation
If taxing authorities request more information, RCG provides clarification based on the audit-ready material prepared.
How RCG Works With Your Columbus Team
Initial Review – We learn about your Columbus operations and identify qualifying work.
Technical Discussions – We gather engineering, testing, software, and process improvement details.
CrediTrak Documentation – We organize project and expense data using our proprietary platform.
Deliverables for Your CPA – We prepare complete, audit-ready documentation.
Support if Questions Arise – RCG provides clarification anytime additional details are needed.
Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit
“We do not have a research lab.”
Most qualifying work occurs in engineering, production, testing, and software environments.
“We are not a technology company.”
Many Columbus manufacturers and service-based companies qualify.
“We only improve existing products.”
Enhancements qualify when technical evaluation or testing is involved.
“This credit is only for large corporations.”
Small and mid-sized Columbus businesses qualify consistently.
“We do not create new products.”
Improvements to existing systems or processes qualify under federal guidelines.
“We already perform this work, so it probably does not count.”
Technical evaluation, testing, and problem-solving align directly with IRS requirements.
Why Companies Across Columbus Work With RCG
RCG combines accounting expertise, engineering insight, and clear communication. Our specialists have performed thousands of R&D Tax Credit studies, giving us the experience to identify qualifying activities efficiently and document them in an audit-ready format.
We understand how technical development, testing, software refinement, and production improvement occur within real Columbus operations. Our role is to translate that work into clear, compliant documentation.
Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review
If your Columbus company is developing, improving, testing, or refining products or processes, you can qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your technical activities and prepares the documentation your CPA needs for accurate filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Columbus manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?
Yes. Production refinement, tooling improvement, and material testing frequently qualify.
Do Columbus software or IT companies qualify?
Yes. Software development often involves structured testing, refinement, and analysis.
Can engineering or design firms qualify?
Yes. Prototyping, modeling, and technical analysis often meet IRS standards.
Does process improvement qualify?
Yes. Enhancing product reliability, performance, or system efficiency often aligns with R&D criteria.
Do we need new products to qualify?
No. Improvements to existing systems or products qualify under federal guidelines.
What documentation is required?
Engineering notes, testing data, technical descriptions, project summaries, and qualified expense records.
What is the first step?
A discussion with RCG to confirm 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.
