Mansfield R&D Tax Advisors
R&D Tax Credit
R&D Tax Credit Services for Mansfield, Ohio Businesses
Mansfield businesses across manufacturing, engineering, industrial technology, product development, and software improvement perform technical work every day that strengthens processes, enhances product performance, and solves operational challenges. Much of this activity aligns with the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit—even without a formal research team or laboratory.
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 focuses exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies, providing Mansfield companies with accurate, audit-ready documentation.
Many Mansfield organizations assume the R&D Tax Credit applies only to large corporations. In reality, small and mid-sized companies across the region perform qualifying technical work every year. RCG identifies these activities and prepares the documentation needed for compliant filing.
What the R&D Tax Credit Is
The R&D Tax Credit is a federal program designed to support technical development, experimentation, engineering design, testing, and process improvement. Mansfield companies do not need a dedicated research facility to qualify. Much of the work that meets IRS standards occurs during:
- Prototyping
- Engineering evaluations
- Material testing
- Software refinement
- Production improvements
Ohio also provides a state-level incentive that may apply depending on your circumstances.
How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Mansfield Business
Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal and, when applicable, state tax savings.
Improved cash flow through open-year review: Businesses may claim credits for open tax years typically the last three providing meaningful financial benefit when eligible.
Support for continuous improvement: Testing, prototyping, and engineering evaluations qualify when they involve technical decision-making.
Potential payroll tax offset: Eligible early-stage companies may apply a portion of the federal credit against payroll taxes.
Recognition for development work: Efforts that enhance products, systems, software, or production processes often meet IRS expectations.
RCG reviews your Mansfield activities to determine eligibility and prepares audit-ready documentation.
What the R&D Tax Credit Can Do for Your Mansfield Operations
Mansfield companies regularly engage in product development, engineering refinement, testing, and software enhancement. Activities such as evaluating alternatives, refining prototypes, improving production flow, and analyzing performance data frequently qualify as research.
Many organizations do not realize how closely their everyday operations match these requirements. RCG interprets your technical work and prepares the documentation your CPA needs for a compliant filing. Eligible companies can also capture credits for open tax years, strengthening overall cash flow.
Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives
The R&D Tax Credit applies to Mansfield companies involved in technical development or improvement, including:
Manufacturing
Engineering and product design
Industrial technology
Medical and scientific development
Software and IT
Fabrication and tooling
Automation and controls
Specialized production
Eligibility is based on technical activity, not company size.
Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit
Mansfield organizations may qualify when they perform activities such as:
Engineering evaluation and analysis
Prototype design and refinement
Feasibility testing
Material or performance testing
Improving production efficiency
Enhancing product or system functionality
Certification or compliance testing
Equipment upgrades or modifications
Software development or system updates
Implementing automation
Reviewing engineering or testing data
Using CAD, simulation, 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 information
We collect engineering notes, testing data, technical documentation, and qualified expense details.
3. Document qualifying projects
RCG prepares structured technical summaries through CrediTrak, our proprietary documentation platform.
4. Review qualified research expenses
We evaluate wages, supplies, and contractor costs related to qualifying work.
5. Deliver audit ready documentation
Your CPA receives a complete R&D filing package.
6. Provide clarification when needed
If taxing authorities request additional detail, RCG responds using the prepared documentation.
How the IRS Defines Qualified Research
| Requirement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Permitted Purpose | Work aims to improve performance, reliability, function, or quality. |
| Elimination of Uncertainty | Teams work to resolve uncertainty around capability, method, or design. |
| Process of Experimentation | Activities involve testing, modeling, analysis, or evaluating alternatives. |
| Technological in Nature | Work relies on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science. |
RCG helps Mansfield businesses understand how their activities meet these definitions.
Documentation and Support
RCG prepares detailed, compliant documentation including:
Technical project descriptions
Engineering and testing activity summaries
Supporting technical documentation
Qualified expense details
If taxing authorities request clarification, RCG responds using the audit-ready documentation prepared during your engagement.
How RCG Works With Your Mansfield Team
Initial Review –
We learn about your Mansfield operations and identify qualifying activities.
Technical Discussions – Our specialists gather engineering, testing, and software development details.
CrediTrak Documentation –
We organize project and expense information using RCG’s proprietary platform.
Deliverables for Your CPA – We prepare complete audit-ready documentation for filing.
Support if Questions Arise –
RCG provides clarification whenever additional details are requested.
Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit
“We do not have a research lab.”
Most qualifying work occurs in engineering, testing, production, and software environments.
“We are not a high-tech company.”
Many Mansfield manufacturers and development-focused companies qualify.
“We only improve existing products.”
Enhancements qualify when structured evaluation or testing is involved.
“This credit is only for large corporations.”
Small and mid-sized companies qualify every year.
“We do not develop new products.”
Improving existing systems or processes qualifies 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 Mansfield Companies Work With RCG
RCG combines accounting expertise, engineering insight, and clear communication. Our specialists have completed thousands of R&D studies, giving us the ability to recognize qualifying activities efficiently and present them in a clear, audit-ready format.
We understand how engineering development, testing, software refinement, and production improvement occur in real Mansfield 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 Mansfield business is developing, refining, testing, or improving products or processes, you may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your technical activities and prepares the documentation required for accurate filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mansfield manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?
Yes. Many manufacturers refine production methods, materials, tooling, or product quality in ways that align with IRS criteria.
Do local software and IT companies qualify?
Yes. Software development often involves testing, refinement, and technical problem-solving.
Do engineering and product design firms qualify?
Yes. Modeling, prototyping, testing, and design adjustments often meet federal requirements
Does process improvement qualify?
Yes. Enhancing efficiency, reliability, or performance often qualifies.
Do we need new products to qualify?
No. Improvements to existing systems or processes qualify.
What documentation is required?
Engineering notes, testing data, technical documents, project descriptions, 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 match IRS expectations.
Our Serving Area
RCG assists clients in identifying and documenting available adoption assistance tax credits throughout the state of Ohio.
