Hilliard R&D Tax Advisors
R&D Tax Credit
R&D Tax Credit Services for Hilliard, Ohio Businesses
Hilliard businesses across engineering, advanced manufacturing, technology, health sciences, product development, and industrial operations consistently improve performance, refine processes, enhance reliability, and develop better solutions. These day to day activities often qualify for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, even when companies do not operate formal research departments.
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 of CPAs, engineers, technical specialists, architects, and tax professionals works exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Organizations in Hilliard and the surrounding Columbus region rely on RCG for accurate, structured, audit ready documentation that supports compliant filings.
Many companies assume the R&D Tax Credit applies only to large corporations or high tech institutions. In reality, small and mid sized Hilliard businesses frequently perform qualifying work. RCG helps identify these activities and prepares the documentation your CPA needs for accurate reporting.
What the R&D Tax Credit Is
The R&D Tax Credit is a federal program created to support technical development, engineering evaluation, testing, software refinement, and process improvement. Hilliard businesses do not need a research lab or dedicated R&D team to qualify. Eligible work commonly occurs during design adjustments, prototype development, production improvements, and software updates.
Ohio also offers a state level R&D incentive that applies depending on the company’s circumstances.
How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Hilliard 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 years, creating direct financial benefit when eligible.
Support for continuous innovation: Testing, evaluating alternatives, refining designs, and software development often qualify when technical steps are involved.
Potential payroll tax benefit for eligible small businesses: Some early stage companies apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.
Recognition for advancement: The credit supports technical work invested in improving products, systems, software, or production methods.
RCG evaluates Hilliard technical activities and prepares documentation aligned with IRS expectations.
What the R&D Tax Credit Can Do for Your Hilliard Operations
Hilliard companies regularly perform engineering analysis, prototype development, software enhancement, production refinement, and system improvement. When teams test concepts, evaluate design alternatives, improve efficiency, or solve technical challenges, they often conduct work that qualifies under federal R&D standards.
RCG reviews your operations, interprets the technical work performed, and prepares a complete audit ready documentation package. Companies also secure credits for open tax years when eligible, strengthening overall financial performance.
Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives
The R&D Tax Credit applies to a broad range of Hilliard companies engaged in technical work, including:
Manufacturing
Engineering and product development
Software and IT
Medical and scientific technology
Industrial technology and automation
Consumer product innovation
Fabrication and tooling
Specialized production
Eligibility is based on the technical nature of the work, not the size or label of the business.
Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit
Hilliard businesses qualify when they perform activities such as:
Engineering design or evaluation
Prototype development or refinement
Feasibility analysis and early testing
Material or performance testing
Improving production efficiency or reliability
Enhancing product or system functionality
Certification, durability, or compliance testing
Modifying equipment or systems
Developing or updating software
Implementing automation or control systems
Reviewing engineering or testing data
Using CAD or 3D modeling tools
RCG determines how these activities align with IRS requirements.
Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit
1. Identify qualifying activities
RCG reviews your technical, engineering, and development work.
2. Gather supporting documentation
We collect engineering notes, testing information, and qualified expense records.
3. Document qualifying projects
RCG prepares organized technical summaries using CrediTrak.
4. Review qualified research expenses
We evaluate wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to qualifying activities.
5. Deliver audit ready documentation
Your CPA receives a complete and compliant filing package.
6. Provide clarification when needed
RCG responds to taxing authorities using the documentation prepared.
How the IRS Defines Qualified Research
| Requirement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Permitted Purpose | Work improves function, performance, reliability, or quality. |
| Elimination of Uncertainty | Teams resolve uncertainty around capability, method, or design. |
| Process of Experimentation | Work includes testing, modeling, prototyping, or structured evaluation. |
| Technological in Nature | Activities rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science. |
RCG helps Hilliard companies understand how their work aligns with federal definitions.
Documentation and Support
RCG prepares all documentation required for accurate and compliant filing, including:
Project descriptions
Technical summaries
Engineering and testing records
Activity narratives
Qualified expense reports
If taxing authorities request clarification, RCG provides responses based on the documentation created during your engagement.
How RCG Works With Your Hilliard Team
Initial Review –
We learn about your Hilliard operations and identify technical activities.
Technical Discussions – Our specialists gather engineering, testing, software, and production details.
CrediTrak Documentation –
We organize all activity and expense information using RCG’s proprietary platform.
Deliverables for Your CPA –
We prepare a complete audit ready documentation package.
Support if Questions Arise –
RCG provides clarification using the prepared documentation.
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 Hilliard manufacturers 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 Hilliard companies qualify consistently.
“We do not develop new products.”
Improvements to systems, software, or processes qualify under federal requirements.
“We already perform this work, so it probably does not count.”
Evaluating options, testing concepts, and solving technical challenges often align with IRS criteria.
Why Hilliard Companies Work With RCG
RCG combines accounting experience, engineering insight, and clear communication. With thousands of completed R&D studies, our specialists understand how qualifying work occurs in real operations and how to document it properly.
Our role is to translate your testing, development, engineering, and production improvement activities into a clear, detailed package that supports a compliant R&D Tax Credit filing.
Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review
If your Hilliard company is developing, testing, refining, or improving products or processes, you can qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG reviews your activities and prepares the documentation needed for accurate filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hilliard manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?
Yes. Many manufacturers refine processes, improve tooling, test materials, and enhance product quality.
Do Hilliard software and IT companies qualify?
Yes. Software development often involves structured testing and technical evaluation.
Can engineering and design firms qualify?
Yes. Prototyping, modeling, and design refinement frequently align with IRS standards.
Does the credit apply to process improvements?
Yes. Enhancements to performance, reliability, and efficiency qualify when technical steps are involved.
Do we need new products to qualify?
No. Improvements to existing systems or production methods often qualify.
What documentation is required?
Engineering notes, testing data, technical records, project summaries, and qualified expense information. RCG prepares the complete audit ready package.
What is the first step?
A conversation with RCG to determine how your activities align with IRS requirements.
Our Serving Area
RCG assists clients in identifying and documenting available adoption assistance tax credits throughout the state of Ohio.
