Lorain R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for Lorain, Ohio Businesses

Lorain companies across manufacturing, engineering, product development, industrial technology, medical technology, and software development work every day to refine processes, enhance performance, and solve technical challenges. These activities often align with the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, even for organizations without formal research laboratories.


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, technical professionals, and tax specialists works exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Lorain organizations trust RCG to identify qualified activities and prepare accurate, audit ready documentation that supports a compliant filing.



Many Lorain businesses assume R&D incentives apply only to large corporations. In reality, small and mid sized organizations routinely perform technical work that meets IRS criteria. RCG evaluates these activities and prepares the documentation your CPA needs to file the credit accurately.

What the R&D Tax Credit Is

The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive designed to support testing, engineering development, product improvement, and process advancement. Lorain companies do not need a dedicated research facility to qualify. Many qualifying activities occur during everyday engineering design, prototyping, troubleshooting, production refinement, and software improvement.



Ohio also provides a state level R&D incentive depending on the company’s situation.

How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Lorain Business

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

Improved cash flow through open tax year review:  Businesses often claim credits for open years, typically the last three, creating immediate financial benefit when eligible.

Support for ongoing improvement and innovation: Engineering evaluation, prototype development, testing, and software refinement align with the purpose of the credit.

Potential payroll tax offset for eligible small businesses: Some early stage companies apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes under IRS rules.

Recognition for technical progress: The credit supports work invested in improving systems, products, processes, and software.

RCG evaluates Lorain development and improvement activities and prepares the documentation needed for accurate filing.

What the R&D Tax Credit Does for Lorain Operations

Lorain businesses frequently perform:

Engineering design and evaluation

Prototype development

Technical testing and feasibility analysis

Material and performance evaluation

Production efficiency improvements

Software development and system refinement

Automation and process control upgrades

When teams test ideas, evaluate alternatives, refine performance, or enhance reliability, they often conduct work recognized under the R&D Tax Credit.



RCG interprets the technical details of your operations and prepares a complete audit ready documentation package that supports your CPA.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

Lorain organizations across many technical fields qualify for the R&D Tax Credit, including:

Manufacturing

Industrial technology

Engineering and product design

Medical and scientific technology

Software development

Fabrication and tooling

Automation and controls

Specialized production

Eligibility is based on the technical nature of the work performed, not the size of the business.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Lorain companies qualify when they perform activities such as:

Engineering design and evaluation

Prototype development and refinement

Feasibility or early phase testing

Material, performance, or reliability testing

Improving production efficiency or workflow

Enhancing product, system, or software functionality

Certification and durability testing

Equipment improvement or system modification

Developing or updating software

Implementing automation and control systems

Reviewing engineering or testing data

Using CAD or 3D modeling tools

RCG evaluates how these activities align with federal R&D standards.

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 documents, technical data, and qualified expense information.

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    RCG prepares clear and structured technical explanations using CrediTrak.

  • 4. Review qualified research expenses

    We evaluate wages, supplies, and contractor costs linked to qualifying activities.

  • 5. Deliver audit ready documentation

    We provide your CPA with a complete, organized documentation package.

  • 6. Provide clarification during follow up

    If taxing authorities request more detail, RCG responds using prepared documentation.

How the IRS Defines Qualified Research

Requirement Meaning
Permitted Purpose Work improves function, performance, reliability, or quality.
Elimination of Uncertainty Teams resolve uncertainty about capability, method, or design.
Process of Experimentation Work evaluates alternatives through testing, modeling, or structured analysis.
Technological in Nature Activities rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science.

RCG helps Lorain organizations understand how their projects fit these standards.

Documentation and Support

RCG prepares all required documentation, including:

Detailed project descriptions

Technical activity summaries

Engineering and testing details

Qualified expense information

When taxing authorities request clarification, RCG responds based on the audit ready documentation created during your engagement.

How RCG Works With Your Lorain Team

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

Technical Discussions –  Our specialists gather engineering, testing, production, and software development details.

CrediTrak Documentation –  We organize project and expense information using RCG’s proprietary documentation platform.

Deliverables for Your CPA –  We prepare a clear, audit ready package that supports accurate filing.

Support if Questions Arise –  RCG provides clarification when your CPA or taxing authorities request additional detail.

Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit

“We do not have a research lab.”

 Most qualifying work occurs in engineering, design, production, and software environments.


“We are not a technology company.”

 Many Lorain manufacturers and development oriented organizations qualify.


“We only improve existing products.”

 Enhancements qualify when structured testing or analysis occurs.


“This credit is only for large corporations.”

 Small and mid sized Lorain companies qualify every year.


“We do not develop new products.”

 Improvements to systems, production processes, or software qualify under federal rules.


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

 Technical evaluation, testing, and problem solving align with IRS expectations.

Why Companies Across Lorain Work With RCG

RCG combines accounting expertise, engineering understanding, and practical communication. Our specialists have completed thousands of R&D studies, giving us the experience to identify qualifying activities quickly and document them clearly.



We understand how engineering development, testing, software refinement, and production improvement occur within real operations. Our role is to translate that work into documentation that supports a compliant R&D Tax Credit filing.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

If your Lorain company is developing, testing, refining, or improving products or processes, you can qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your technical work and prepares the documentation needed for accurate filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Yes. Many manufacturers refine materials, improve equipment, and enhance production processes in ways that align with federal R&D rules.

  • Do Lorain software and technology companies qualify?

    Yes. Software development often includes structured testing, refinement, and technical problem solving.

  • Do engineering and design firms qualify?

    Yes. Prototyping, modeling, testing, and review often meet R&D criteria.

  • Does the credit apply to process improvements?

    Yes. Improvements to reliability, performance, quality, or efficiency qualify.

  • Do we need new products to qualify?

    No. Enhancements to existing systems, software, or production methods qualify.

  • What documentation is required?

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

  • What is the first step?

    A conversation with RCG to review your engineering and development activities.

Our Serving Area

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