Gahanna R&D Tax Advisors
R&D Tax Credit
R&D Tax Credit Services for Gahanna, Ohio Businesses
Gahanna businesses across manufacturing, engineering, software development, healthcare technology, industrial services, and product design regularly improve systems, enhance performance, develop prototypes, and solve technical challenges. These activities often qualify for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, even when companies do not operate a formal R&D department.
Since 2004, RCG has completed more than 25,000 R&D tax credit studies and identified over $750 million in combined 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. Gahanna organizations rely on RCG for detailed, accurate, audit-ready documentation.
Many businesses assume the R&D Tax Credit is only for large corporations. In reality, small and mid-sized companies throughout Gahanna consistently perform qualifying technical work. RCG evaluates this activity and prepares the documentation your CPA needs for a compliant filing.
What the R&D Tax Credit Is
The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive that supports technical development, engineering evaluation, testing, prototyping, software refinement, and process improvement. Gahanna companies do not need a research lab to qualify. Qualifying work often occurs as part of everyday engineering and development efforts.
Ohio also offers a state-level credit depending on the business’s tax situation.
How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Gahanna Business
Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal and when applicable state tax savings.
Improved cash flow: Many companies claim credits for open tax years (typically the last three), creating immediate financial benefit when eligible.
Support for ongoing development and improvement: Testing, prototyping, design adjustments, and technical evaluations often qualify.
Potential payroll tax benefit for eligible small businesses: Certain early-stage companies apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.
Recognition for technical progress: Work that improves products, systems, processes, or software aligns with federal R&D standards.
RCG reviews your activities to determine what qualifies and prepares compliant documentation.
What the R&D Tax Credit Can Do for Your Gahanna Operations
Gahanna companies regularly perform activities such as engineering evaluation, prototype refinement, testing, design modifications, product improvement, and software development. When teams test concepts, compare alternatives, analyze performance, or improve efficiency, they often perform work recognized under federal R&D guidelines.
RCG documents these activities with clarity and prepares a complete audit-ready package for your CPA. When eligible, companies also capture credits for open tax years, strengthening financial performance.
Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives
Gahanna businesses across many technical fields perform activities that meet IRS criteria, including:
Manufacturing
Engineering and product development
Software and IT
Healthcare and medical technology
Industrial technology and automation
Fabrication, machining, and tooling
Specialized production and technical services
Consumer product development
Eligibility depends on the technical nature of the activity, not the size or label of the company.
Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit
Gahanna companies may qualify when they perform technical activities such as:
Engineering evaluations and design work
Prototype development and refinement
Feasibility testing and early-stage analysis
Material, structural, or performance testing
Improving production efficiency or reliability
Enhancing product durability or functionality
Certification or compliance-related testing
Modifying or improving equipment
Updating or developing software systems
Implementing automation technologies
Reviewing engineering or testing data
Using CAD or 3D modeling tools
RCG determines how each activity aligns with IRS expectations.
Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit
1. Identify qualifying activities
RCG reviews your engineering, development, and production work.
2. Gather technical and financial documentation
We help collect engineering notes, test data, technical records, and qualified expenses.
3. Document qualifying projects
RCG prepares structured technical summaries using CrediTrak.
4. Review qualified research expenses
We evaluate wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to qualified work.
5.Deliver audit-ready documentation
Your CPA receives a complete, compliant filing package.
6. Provide clarification during follow-up
If taxing authorities request more information, RCG responds using the prepared documentation.
How the IRS Defines Qualified Research
| Requirement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Permitted Purpose | The work aims to improve function, performance, reliability, or quality. |
| Elimination of Uncertainty | Teams must resolve uncertainty related to capability, method, or design. |
| Process of Experimentation | Work includes testing, modeling, prototyping, or evaluating alternatives. |
| Technological in Nature | Activities must rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science. |
RCG helps Gahanna businesses understand how their work fits these federal standards.
Documentation and Support
RCG prepares the full technical and financial documentation required for a compliant filing, including:
Project descriptions
Technical activity summaries
Engineering and testing information
Qualified expense records
If taxing authorities request clarification, RCG responds using the documentation created during your engagement.
How RCG Works With Your Gahanna Team
Initial Review –
We learn about your Gahanna operations and identify qualifying activities.
Technical Discussions –
Our specialists gather engineering, testing, and development details.
CrediTrak Documentation –
We organize activity and expense records through our proprietary platform.
Deliverables for Your CPA –
We prepare a complete audit-ready documentation package.
Support if Questions Arise –
RCG provides clarification for your CPA or taxing authorities.
Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit
“We do not have a research lab.”
Most qualifying work happens in engineering, production, testing, or software environments.
“We are not a high-tech company.”
Many Gahanna manufacturers, engineering teams, and service-based organizations 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 Gahanna companies qualify every year.
“We do not develop new products.”
Improvements to existing processes, systems, and software often qualify.
“We already perform this work, so it probably does not count.”
Testing, problem-solving, evaluation, and experimentation align with IRS requirements.
Why Gahanna Companies Work With RCG
RCG combines accounting experience, engineering insight, and clear communication. We have completed thousands of R&D studies, giving us a strong understanding of how qualifying activity occurs in real operations.
We translate engineering development, production improvement, software refinement, and testing into audit-ready documentation that supports a compliant filing.
Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review
If your Gahanna company is developing, testing, refining, or improving products or processes, you could qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your activities and prepares the documentation required for accurate filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gahanna manufacturers good candidates?
Yes. Many improve efficiency, materials, tooling, and production quality in ways that qualify.
Do Gahanna software and IT companies qualify?
Yes. Software development frequently involves testing, refinement, and structured evaluation.
Do engineering and product design firms qualify?
Yes. Modeling, prototyping, design adjustments, and testing often meet IRS criteria.
Does process improvement qualify?
Yes. Enhancing performance, reliability, quality, or efficiency often qualifies.
Do we need new products?
No. Improvements to existing systems or production methods qualify.
What documentation is required?
Engineering notes, testing data, technical details, and qualified expense records, RCG prepares the full audit-ready package.
What is the first step?
A conversation with RCG to confirm whether your activities align with IRS guidelines.
Our Serving Area
RCG assists clients in identifying and documenting available adoption assistance tax credits throughout the state of Ohio.
