Dayton R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for Dayton, Ohio Businesses

Dayton is home to a strong mix of manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, defense, medical technology, industrial technology, and software development. Local companies continually refine products, improve systems, enhance reliability, and solve technical challenges. These activities frequently align with the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, even for organizations without dedicated research facilities.


Since 2004, RCG has performed 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, technical specialists, architects, and tax professionals who work exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Dayton organizations rely on RCG for accurate evaluation and audit ready documentation that supports compliant filing.



Many businesses assume the R&D Tax Credit only applies to large corporations. In reality, small and mid sized Dayton companies perform qualifying work every year. RCG helps identify eligible activities and prepares the documentation your CPA needs.

What the R&D Tax Credit Is

The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive supporting technical development, process improvement, testing, and engineering design. Dayton companies do not need a research lab to qualify. Qualifying work often occurs during prototyping, production refinement, engineering analysis, or software development.



Ohio also offers a state level R&D incentive depending on the company’s situation.

How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Dayton Business

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

Improved cash flow through open tax year review: Companies often secure credits for open years, typically the last three, creating immediate financial value when eligible.

Support for development and innovation: Prototype testing, technical evaluation, engineering analysis, and software refinement align with R&D requirements.

Potential payroll tax benefit for eligible small businesses: Early stage companies can apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.

Recognition for technical advancement: Work that improves reliability, performance, quality, or system functionality aligns with federal guidelines.

RCG evaluates Dayton activities and prepares the documentation required for accurate filing.

What the R&D Tax Credit Does for Dayton Operations

Dayton companies routinely engage in:

Prototype development

Engineering evaluations

System refinement

Software development

Technical testing

Production efficiency improvements

Automation and tooling enhancements

Product performance improvement

These activities often contain the structured technical steps recognized under the R&D Tax Credit.

RCG documents these activities and prepares a complete audit ready package for your CPA.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

Dayton organizations across many development focused fields benefit from the R&D Tax Credit, including:

Manufacturing

Industrial technology

Engineering and product design

Software and IT development

Materials innovation

Scientific and medical technology

Fabrication and tooling

Specialized production

Eligibility depends on the technical nature of the work, not the size of the company.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Dayton companies qualify when they perform activities such as:

Engineering evaluation and design work

Prototype development and refinement

Feasibility testing and early analysis

Material, performance, or reliability testing

Improving production efficiency or process reliability

Enhancing system or product functionality

Certification or compliance based testing

Modifying or improving equipment

Developing or updating software systems

Implementing automation technologies

Reviewing engineering or technical data

Using CAD or 3D modeling tools

RCG determines how these activities align with IRS expectations.

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying activities

    RCG reviews your engineering, testing, production, and software development work.

  • 2. Gather technical and financial documentation

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

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    RCG prepares clear technical explanations using CrediTrak, our proprietary documentation system.

  • 4. Evaluate qualified research expenses

    We analyze wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to qualified work.

  • 5. Deliver audit ready documentation

    Your CPA receives a complete, organized package for accurate filing.

  • 6. Provide support during follow up

    If taxing authorities request clarification, RCG responds using the documentation created during the 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 evaluates alternatives through testing, modeling, or structured analysis.
Technological in Nature Activities rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science.

RCG helps Dayton companies understand how their work aligns with these standards.

Documentation and Support

RCG prepares all required documentation, including:

Project descriptions

Technical summaries

Engineering and testing details

Qualified expense records

If taxing authorities request further clarification, RCG provides responses using your audit ready documentation.

How RCG Works With Your Dayton Team

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

Technical Discussions – Our team gathers engineering, testing, software, and production improvement details.

CrediTrak Documentation – We organize project data and qualified expenses using RCG’s proprietary system.

Deliverables for Your CPA – We prepare an audit ready package that supports accurate, compliant filing.

Support if Questions Arise – RCG provides clarification whenever additional detail is requested.

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 technology company.”

 Many Dayton manufacturers, engineering firms, and service based organizations qualify.


“We only improve existing products.”

 Enhancements qualify when structured testing or technical analysis is involved.


“This credit is only for large corporations.”

 Small and mid sized Dayton companies qualify every year.


“We do not develop new products.”

 Improvements to systems, software, or production methods qualify under federal rules.


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

 Evaluating alternatives, solving technical challenges, and testing concepts align with IRS expectations.

Why Companies Across Dayton Work With RCG

RCG combines accounting expertise, technical understanding, and clear communication. Our specialists have completed thousands of R&D studies, allowing us to identify qualifying activities efficiently and document them accurately.



We understand the engineering, development, testing, and production environments that drive Dayton businesses. Our role is to translate these real world activities into documentation that supports a compliant R&D Tax Credit filing.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Yes. Many improve production processes, evaluate materials, refine equipment, and enhance product quality.

  • Do Dayton aerospace and engineering companies qualify?

    Yes. Modeling, testing, analysis, and prototyping frequently meet IRS requirements.

  • Do Dayton software and technology companies qualify?

    Yes. Software development often involves structured testing and technical refinement.

  • Does the credit apply to process improvements?

    Yes. Enhancements to reliability, efficiency, performance, or quality often qualify.

  • Do we need to create new products to qualify?

    No. Improvements to existing systems, software, or production processes qualify.

  • What documentation is required?

    Engineering notes, testing details, technical information, project summaries, and qualified expense records. RCG prepares a complete audit ready package.

  • 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.