Findlay R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for Findlay, Ohio Manufacturers

Findlay’s industrial strength is built on advanced plastics, polymers, machining, automation, and material processing. From extrusion and injection molding facilities to tool-and-die shops, custom fabricators, and automation integrators, Findlay companies solve technical challenges every day. These activities often qualify for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit even without operating a formal laboratory.


Since 2004, RCG has completed more than 25,000 R&D tax credit studies and identified over $750 million in federal and state savings. Our CPAs, engineers, and technical specialists work exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Findlay organizations rely on RCG for clear, compliant, audit-ready documentation.


Many businesses assume the credit only applies to large technology firms. In reality, small and mid-sized Findlay manufacturers frequently perform qualifying engineering, testing, and process-improvement work. RCG identifies these activities and prepares the documentation needed for accurate filing.

What the R&D Tax Credit Is

The R&D Tax Credit rewards technical problem-solving and process improvement. Findlay companies do not need a research department to qualify. If your team is experimenting with new materials, refining a production method, evaluating alternatives, or solving technical uncertainty, you may already be performing qualified research.


Typical qualifying activities include:



  • Prototyping
  • Material or performance testing
  • Process troubleshooting
  • Design evaluation
  • Automation and equipment improvement
  • Software enhancement used for internal production systems


Both federal and Ohio R&D incentives may apply depending on your tax position.

Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses reduce federal and potentially state, tax obligations.

Improved cash flow:  Many Findlay companies secure credits for the last three open tax years when eligible.

Payroll tax benefit for startups: Early-stage companies may apply the credit against payroll taxes.

Support for continuous improvement: Engineering, testing, and material-evaluation work is often eligible.

Rewards technical progress: The IRS values the process of experimentation, not just successful outcomes.

What the R&D Credit Can Do for Findlay Operations

Findlay businesses routinely perform qualifying work in:

Plastics & Polymer Processing

Improving molds, dies, or tooling

Testing polymer blends for durability

Engineering evaluations

Evaluating cycle-time efficiency

Troubleshooting extrusion defects

Rubber & Elastomer Processing

Formulating elastomers for durability, flexibility, or heat resistance

Testing rubber compounds for performance or adhesion

Refining mixing, curing, or molding processes

Improving tooling to handle elastomer materials

Automated Manufacturing & Controls

Integrating robotics into production

Developing custom automation workflows

Testing PLC logic or machine optimization steps

Machining & Fabrication

Designing custom fixtures or tooling

Programming CNC for complex shapes

Evaluating new materials or machining parameters

Industrial Product Development

Prototype testing

Mechanical design refinement

Durability or reliability improvements

Many companies do not realize how closely their everyday work aligns with federal R&D requirements. RCG translates these efforts into audit-ready documentation.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

Findlay companies often qualify in areas such as:

Plastics & Polymer Processing

Rubber & Elastomer Processing

Industrial Automation & Controls

Machining & Precision Manufacturing

Tool & Die

Packaging & Material Handling

Industrial Software & Production Systems

Specialty Component Fabrication

Eligibility is based on the technical activity, not the size or category of the business.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Your Findlay business may qualify if you perform activities such as:

Prototype development or redesign

Feasibility analysis or early-stage testing

Material, structural, or performance testing

Improving production efficiency or throughput

Enhancing product durability or functionality

Modifying tooling, molds, or equipment

Integrating automation or robotics

Developing or updating internal software

Reviewing engineering and test data

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying work

    RCG evaluates engineering, development, testing, and process improvements.

  • 2. Collect documentation

    We gather technical notes, testing data, and project information.

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    RCG prepares structured technical narratives using CrediTrak.

  • 4. Evaluate qualified expenses

    Wages, supplies, and contractor costs are analyzed for eligibility.

  • 5. Deliver audit-ready documentation

    Your CPA receives a complete filing package.

  • 6. Provide support if questions arise

    RCG handles clarification for taxing authorities.

IRS Requirements (Four-Part Test)

Requirement Meaning
Permitted Purpose Improving function, performance, reliability, or quality
Elimination of Uncertainty Addressing unknowns around capability, method, or design
Process of Experimentation Testing, modeling, prototyping, or evaluating alternatives
Technological in Nature Based on engineering, physical sciences, or computer science

Documentation and Support

RCG prepares:

Technical activity summaries

Project descriptions

Testing/engineering documentation

Qualified expense records

We also provide full clarification support if requested by taxing authorities.

How RCG Works With Your Findlay Team

Initial Review –  Understanding your Findlay operations.

Technical Discussions –  Interviews with engineering, production, and automation teams.

CrediTrak Documentation –  Organizing all qualifying work and expenses.

Deliverables for Your CPA –  A complete, audit-ready package for accurate filing.

Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit

“We don’t have a research lab.”

 Most qualifying work happens on the production floor.



“We only improve existing products.”

Improvements often qualify when testing is involved.



“We’re not a high-tech company."

 Plastics, machining, automation, and rubber processing frequently qualify.



“Failures don’t count.”

 Failed tests are valid and often excellent evidence of R&D.

Why Findlay Companies Work With RCG

RCG combines engineering insight, tax expertise, and clear communication. We understand how plastics, polymer processing, fabrication, and automation operate in real manufacturing environments. We convert this hands-on technical work into documentation that supports a compliant R&D filing.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

If your Findlay business is developing, testing, refining, or improving products or processes, you may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do plastics and polymer companies qualify?

    Yes. Developing blends, improving cycle times, or testing molds typically qualify.

  • Does rubber or elastomer processing qualify?

    Yes. Formulation, curing improvements, and performance testing often meet IRS requirements.

  • Do machining and tool-and-die operations qualify?

    Often yes, especially when designing fixtures, solving tolerance issues, or optimizing machining strategies.

  • Does process improvement qualify?

    Yes. Efficiency, reliability, or quality improvements can be eligible when engineering steps are involved.

  • What documentation is required?

    Engineering notes, testing data, project descriptions, and qualified expense records. RCG prepares the full audit-ready package.

  • What documentation is required?

    Engineering notes, technical details, test data, project records, and qualified expense information. RCG prepares the complete audit ready package.

Our Serving Area

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