Garfield Heights R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for Garfield Heights, Ohio Businesses

Garfield Heights plays a vital role within the Greater Cleveland industrial corridor. The city’s mix of manufacturing, fabrication, logistics, automation, and component production creates continuous technical problem-solving much of which qualifies for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit. However, many local companies assume the credit applies only to formal research labs or large technology firms.


Since 2004, RCG has completed more than 25,000 R&D tax credit studies and identified more than $750 million in federal and state tax savings. Our specialists including CPAs, engineers, technical analysts, and tax professionals focus exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Businesses across Garfield Heights rely on RCG for accurate, audit-ready documentation that supports compliant filing.

What the R&D Tax Credit Is

The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive supporting innovation, process improvement, testing, prototyping, engineering design, and technical problem-solving. Garfield Heights companies do not need research labs to qualify. Qualifying work often happens in:

Manufacturing and fabrication environments

Tooling and stamping operations

Automation and controls engineering

Software development or customization

Logistics and distribution workflow optimization

If teams are improving performance, solving technical uncertainty, or evaluating alternatives, they may be performing qualified research.


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

How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Garfield Heights Business

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

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

Payroll tax benefit for eligible startups: Newer companies may apply the credit to payroll taxes.

Support for engineering and production improvement: Testing, prototyping, automation, and process optimization qualify when technical steps are involved.

Recognition for technical advancement: The credit rewards the effort invested in improving products, systems, and operations.

What the R&D Tax Credit Can Do for Your Garfield Heights Operations

RCG identifies recoverable credit opportunities in the technical work embedded in everyday operations, including:

Engineering and redesign for manufacturability

Tooling and fixture creation to support custom jobs

Robotics integration and control system refinement

Material testing and performance evaluation

Production efficiency improvements

Development of automated packaging or assembly systems

Supply chain and logistics workflow optimization

Metal stamping process refinement and die adjustments

Many businesses are surprised to learn how closely their routine work aligns with IRS criteria.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

RCG evaluates activities in sectors commonly present in Garfield Heights and surrounding communities:

Manufacturing & Industrial Fabrication: Process improvement, tooling development, prototype testing.

Metal Stamping & Heat Treatment: Refining forming methods, improving die performance, evaluating material behavior

Automotive Component Supply Chain: Machining, assembly improvement, production tooling adjustments.

Plastics, Polymers & Material Processing: Testing formulations, improving extrusion parameters, enhancing durability.

Packaging, Automation & Machinery Integration: Custom automation, PLC logic development, robotics implementation.

Distribution, Logistics & Workflow Engineering:  Improving material flow, developing scheduling systems, testing automation concepts.

General Engineering & Product Development:  Enhancing reliability, manufacturability, or performance.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Garfield Heights companies may qualify if they perform:

Engineering evaluations

Prototype development

Feasibility or early-stage testing

Material or performance testing

Automation or robotics integration

Process improvement and optimization

Tooling or equipment modifications

Software development or customization

CAD modeling or engineering analysis

Eligibility depends on the presence of technical uncertainty, not the size of the company.

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying activities

    RCG reviews engineering, production, testing, and automation work.

  • 2. Collect technical and financial documentation

    We gather engineering notes, testing records, payroll data, and supply costs.

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    Using CrediTrak, we prepare clear, structured technical narratives.

  • 4. Evaluate qualified research expenses

    We analyze wages, supply costs, and contractor fees tied to R&D.

  • 5. Deliver audit-ready documentation

    Your CPA receives a complete, compliant filing package.

  • 6. Provide clarification when needed

     If taxing authorities request more information, RCG responds with prepared 

IRS Requirements (Four-Part Test)

Requirement Meaning
Permitted Purpose Work aims to improve performance, function, quality, or reliability.
Elimination of Uncertainty The team evaluates unknowns related to capability, design, or method.
Process of Experimentation Testing, modeling, prototyping, or iterative analysis is used.
Technological in Nature Work relies on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science.

Documentation and Support

RCG prepares all required documentation, including:

Technical activity summaries

Project descriptions

Testing and engineering details

Qualified expense records

If additional clarification is needed, RCG responds using audit-ready documentation.

How RCG Works With Your Garfield Heights Team

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

Technical Discussions – Our engineers and CPAs gather detailed information.

CrediTrak Documentation – We organize project and expense data in a structured format.

Deliverables for Your CPA – We prepare a complete audit-ready filing package.

Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit

We don't have a research lab.”

Most qualifying work occurs in production, engineering, or automation settings.


"We are not a high-tech company.”

Process improvement and technical problem-solving qualify across many industries.


“We only improve existing products.”

Enhancements qualify when technical uncertainty is present.


“We already perform this work, so it doesn’t count.”

IRS guidelines focus on experimentation not novelty.


“Only large corporations qualify.”

Small and mid-sized businesses in Garfield Heights qualify every year.

Why Garfield Heights Companies Work With RCG

RCG combines tax expertise, engineering understanding, and clear communication. We interpret technical work from an engineer’s perspective and convert it into audit-ready documentation that supports a compliant filing.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do metal stamping or machining companies qualify?

    Yes. Tooling adjustments, die development, and material testing often qualify.

  • Do automation or robotics integrations qualify?

    Yes. Developing logic, refining controls, or testing automated systems aligns with IRS criteria.

  • Does logistics or warehouse optimization count?

    Sometimes. When improvements involve technical evaluation or system testing, they may qualify.

  • Do we need a new product to qualify?

    No. Improvements to existing processes or systems often meet IRS requirements.

  • What documentation is needed?

    Engineering notes, testing data, CAD files, payroll records, and project summaries. RCG prepares a full audit-ready package.

Our Serving Area

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