Fairfield R&D Tax Advisors
R&D Tax Credit
R&D Tax Credit Services for Fairfield, Ohio Businesses
Fairfield companies across manufacturing, engineering, industrial technology, product development, consumer goods, software, and medical technology consistently work to improve systems, enhance products, refine processes, and address technical challenges. This type of development often 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, technical specialists, architects, and tax professionals who work exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Fairfield organizations rely on RCG for accurate, organized, audit ready documentation that supports compliant filing.
Many Fairfield business owners are surprised to learn how often their daily operations align with R&D standards. Small and mid sized companies across the region routinely qualify. RCG identifies these opportunities and prepares the documentation your CPA needs.
What the R&D Tax Credit Is
The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive that supports technical development, engineering evaluation, prototype testing, software refinement, and process improvement. Fairfield companies do not need research labs or designated R&D departments. Qualifying technical work often occurs during everyday development cycles.
Ohio also offers a state level incentive that may apply depending on the company’s situation.
How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Fairfield Business
Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal and, when applicable, state tax savings.
Improved cash flow: Many Fairfield companies capture credits for open tax years, typically the last three years, resulting in immediate financial value when eligible.
Support for ongoing development and improvement: Testing, prototyping, design changes, and system refinement qualify when technical steps are involved.
Potential payroll tax benefit for eligible small businesses: Qualifying early stage companies apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.
Recognition for technical advancement: Work invested in improving products, systems, software, and processes aligns with the intent of the credit.
RCG evaluates Fairfield activities and prepares the documentation required for accurate filing.
What the R&D Tax Credit Can Do for Your Fairfield Operations
Fairfield companies often perform engineering analysis, prototype development, production improvement, material testing, and software enhancement. When teams evaluate alternatives, refine designs, test performance, or solve technical problems, they frequently complete activities that meet IRS research standards.
Many organizations do not realize that these routine engineering and development efforts qualify. RCG reviews your activities, interprets technical detail, and prepares a complete audit ready documentation package. When eligible, companies also capture credits for open tax years, strengthening overall financial performance.
Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives
Fairfield companies engaged in technical development or improvement may qualify. Eligibility is based on the nature of the work, not the size of the organization. Common sectors performing qualifying activities include:
Manufacturing
Engineering and product design
Industrial and automation technology
Consumer products
Medical and scientific technology
Software and IT development
Fabrication, tooling, and machining
Specialized production and technical services
Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit
Fairfield businesses qualify when they perform activities such as:
Engineering evaluation and technical design
Prototype creation and refinement
Feasibility and early stage analysis
Material, structural, or performance testing
Improving production efficiency or reliability
Enhancing product or system performance
Certification or compliance testing
Modifying equipment or automation systems
Developing or updating software
Implementing advanced controls or technology
Reviewing engineering and testing data
Using CAD or 3D modeling tools
RCG determines how these activities align with IRS guidelines for qualified research.
Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit
1. Identify qualifying activities
RCG reviews your engineering, production, development, and software work.
2. Gather supporting documentation
We help collect engineering notes, testing records, technical details, and qualified expense data.
3. Document qualifying projects
RCG prepares structured technical summaries through CrediTrak.
4. Review qualified research expenses
Wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to qualified activities are evaluated.
5. Deliver audit ready documentation
Your CPA receives a complete, organized filing package.
6. Provide clarification when needed
RCG responds to taxing authorities using the documentation created during your engagement.
How the IRS Defines Qualified Research
| Requirement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Permitted Purpose | The work improves function, performance, reliability, or quality. |
| Elimination of Uncertainty | The team resolves uncertainty regarding capability, method, or design. |
| Process of Experimentation | The work includes structured testing, modeling, evaluating alternatives, or trials. |
| Technological in Nature | The activity relies on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science. |
RCG helps Fairfield businesses understand how their activities fit these federal standards.
Documentation and Support
RCG prepares all documentation required for a compliant filing, including:
Project descriptions
Technical summaries
Engineering and testing detail
Qualified expense records
If taxing authorities request clarification, RCG provides responses based on the audit ready documentation created during your engagement.
How RCG Works With Your Fairfield Team
Initial Review –
We learn about your Fairfield operations and identify potential qualifying activities.
Technical Discussions – Our team gathers engineering, testing, design, software, and production details.
CrediTrak Documentation –
We organize activity and expense information through RCG’s proprietary platform.
Deliverables for Your CPA – We prepare a complete audit ready documentation set.
Support if Questions Arise –
RCG provides clarification when 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, or software environments.
“We are not a high-tech company.”
Many Fairfield manufacturers and service based companies qualify.
“We only improve existing products.”
Enhancements qualify when technical evaluation or testing is part of the process.
“This credit is only for large corporations.”
Small and mid sized organizations qualify every year.
“We do not develop new products.”
Improvements to existing products, systems, or processes qualify.
“We already perform this work, so it probably does not count.”
Evaluating alternatives, testing ideas, and solving technical problems align with IRS criteria.
Why Fairfield Companies Work With RCG
RCG combines accounting expertise, engineering insight, and clear communication. Our specialists have completed thousands of R&D studies, giving us a strong understanding of how qualifying work occurs across real operations.
We translate engineering development, software refinement, production improvement, and testing activities into clear, audit ready documentation that supports compliant R&D Tax Credit filings.
Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review
If your Fairfield company is developing, testing, refining, 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 Fairfield manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?
Yes. Many improve materials, tooling, production methods, and quality in ways that align with IRS R&D standards.
Do Fairfield software and IT companies qualify?
Yes. Software development often involves structured testing, technical refinement, and evaluation.
Can engineering and product design firms qualify?
Yes. Modeling, prototyping, testing, and design adjustments often meet federal requirements.
Does process improvement qualify?
Yes. Enhancements to performance, efficiency, reliability, or quality qualify when technical steps are involved.
Do we need new products?
No. Improvements to existing systems or production methods qualify.
What documentation is required?
Engineering notes, testing data, technical records, project summaries, and qualified expense details. RCG prepares a complete audit ready package.
What is the first step?
What is the first step?
A conversation with RCG to confirm how 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.
