Lima R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for Lima, Ohio Businesses

Lima’s business community includes manufacturing, industrial engineering, chemical processing, agricultural technology, product design, and software development. Across these industries, companies refine processes, improve equipment, analyze materials, and solve technical challenges every day. Much of this work aligns with the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit even for organizations without a dedicated research department.


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, architects, tax specialists, and technical professionals focuses exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Lima organizations rely on RCG for accurate, organized, audit-ready documentation that supports fully compliant filings.


Many Lima companies assume the credit only applies to high-tech businesses. In reality, small and mid-sized organizations frequently perform qualifying technical work. RCG identifies these activities and prepares clear, compliant documentation for your CPA.

What the R&D Tax Credit Is

The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive created to support technical development, experimentation, engineering analysis, software advancement, and process improvement. Lima companies do not need a research lab or formal R&D department eligible work often occurs during routine development and problem-solving activities.


Ohio also offers a state-level incentive that may apply depending on your company’s situation.

How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Lima Business

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

Improved cash flow: Lima businesses often capture credits for open tax years (typically the last three), creating immediate financial benefits when eligible.

Support for continuous technical development: Engineering evaluation, prototype testing, software refinement, and production improvement qualify when technical steps are involved.

Potential payroll tax offset for eligible startups: Early-stage companies can apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.

Recognition for innovation and engineering progress: Work that improves reliability, quality, performance, or efficiency aligns with the intent of the credit.

RCG evaluates Lima activities and prepares documentation that supports an accurate filing.

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

Lima companies often qualify through activities such as:

Prototype development and testing

Material evaluation and performance analysis

Industrial equipment improvements

Engineering design and refinement

Software development or system updates

Production process optimization

Quality improvement and troubleshooting

Automated control implementation

RCG reviews your projects, interprets the technical details, and prepares audit-ready documentation for your CPA. When eligible, companies also capture credits for open tax years, improving overall financial performance.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

RCG supports Lima organizations involved in technical development across fields such as:

Manufacturing

Industrial engineering and product design

Chemical processing and material science

Agricultural technology and food production

Software development and IT

Automation and industrial technology

Tooling, machining, and fabrication

Specialized production and engineering services

Eligibility depends on what you do, not your company size.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Lima businesses qualify when they perform work such as:

Engineering analysis and technical evaluations

Prototype creation and refinement

Feasibility and early-stage technical studies

Material, structural, or performance testing

Improving reliability or efficiency in production

Enhancing product functionality or durability

Certification, compliance, or validation testing

Modifying machinery or industrial equipment

Developing or updating software systems

Installing or refining automation controls

Reviewing engineering, testing, or production data

Using CAD/CAM or 3D modeling tools

RCG determines how your activities align with IRS requirements.

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying activities

    We review engineering, development, and technical workflows.

  • 2. Gather technical and financial documentation

    RCG helps collect engineering notes, testing records, technical data, and qualified expense information.

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    We prepare clear, structured summaries using CrediTrak, our proprietary documentation platform.

  • 4. Evaluate qualified research expenses

    We analyze wages, supplies, and contractor expenses tied to eligible activities.

  • 5.Deliver audit-ready documentation

    Your CPA receives a complete, organized filing package.

  • 6. Support during follow-up

    If taxing authorities request additional information, RCG responds using the prepared documentation.

How the IRS Defines Qualified Research

Requirement Meaning
Permitted Purpose Work targets improvement in functionality, performance, quality, or reliability.
Elimination of Uncertainty Teams resolve uncertainty around design, capability, or method.
Process of Experimentation Activities must evaluate alternatives through testing, modeling, or structured analysis.
Technological in Nature Work relies on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science.

RCG helps Lima companies understand how their work meets these standards.

Documentation and Support

RCG prepares the detailed records required for an accurate filing, including:

Technical summaries

Project descriptions

Engineering and testing documentation

Activity explanations

Qualified expense details

If additional clarification is needed, RCG responds using the audit-ready package developed during your engagement.

How RCG Works With Your Lima Team

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

Technical Discussions –  Our CPAs and engineers gather detailed project information.

CrediTrak Documentation –  We organize technical and financial data.

Deliverables for Your CPA –  We prepare audit-ready documentation for accurate filing.

Support if Questions Arise –  RCG provides clarification as needed.

Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit

“We do not have a research lab.”

 Most qualifying activities occur in engineering, testing, production, or software environments.


“We are not a high-tech company.”

 Many Lima manufacturers and service-driven organizations qualify.


“We only improve existing products.”

 Enhancements qualify when they involve structured testing or analysis.


“This credit is only for large corporations.”

 Small and mid-sized Lima companies qualify every year.


“We do not develop new products.”

 Improving systems, production methods, or software often qualifies.


“We already perform this work, so it probably does not count.”

 Technical problem-solving, testing, and evaluation often satisfy IRS criteria.

Why Lima Companies Work With RCG

RCG blends accounting expertise with engineering insight and clear, professional communication.


Our specialists understand how real operations in Lima approach design, testing, software enhancement, equipment improvement, and production refinement. We convert that work into clean, compliant, audit-ready documentation that supports a successful R&D Tax Credit claim.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

If your Lima company is developing, refining, testing, or improving products, equipment, software, or processes, you may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your activities and prepares all documentation required for accurate filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are Lima manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?

    Yes. Many improve tooling, materials, production efficiency, and product quality.

  • Do Lima software companies qualify?

    Yes. Software development often includes testing, refinement, and technical evaluation.

  • Do engineering or industrial firms qualify?

    Yes. Modeling, prototyping, testing, and technical analysis meet IRS expectations.

  • Does process improvement qualify?

    Yes. Enhancing reliability, performance, efficiency, or quality often qualifies.

  • Do we need new products to qualify?

    No. Improvements to existing systems or processes commonly qualify.

  • What documentation is required?

    Engineering notes, testing data, project details, technical records, and qualified expense information. RCG prepares a full audit-ready package.

  • What is the first step?

    A brief discussion with RCG to evaluate how your activities align with federal R&D guidelines.

Our Serving Area

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