Marion R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for Marion, Ohio Businesses

Marion’s industrial, engineering, manufacturing, software, agricultural technology, and product-development sectors regularly improve systems, refine processes, and solve technical challenges. Much of this everyday work aligns with the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit even for organizations without formal research facilities.


Since 2004, RCG has completed more than 25,000 R&D tax credit studies and identified over $750 million in combined federal and state savings. Our team includes CPAs, engineers, tax specialists, technical writers, and architects who work exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Marion companies rely on RCG for precise, organized, audit-ready documentation that supports fully compliant filings.


Many businesses assume they do not qualify because they are not “high tech.” In reality, small and mid-sized Marion companies frequently perform activities that meet IRS criteria. RCG identifies this work and documents it clearly for your CPA.

What the R&D Tax Credit Is

The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive that rewards companies for engaging in technical development, experimentation, testing, engineering evaluation, software advancement, and process improvement. Marion businesses do not need a lab to qualify most eligible work occurs during normal operations.


Ohio also offers a state-level credit when applicable.

How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Marion Business

Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal and for some businesses state benefits.

Improved cash flow: Marion companies often claim credits for open tax years (typically the last three), providing immediate financial impact when eligible.

Support for ongoing innovation: Testing, engineering analysis, prototyping, software refinement, and process improvement qualify when they involve technical evaluation.

Payroll tax benefit for eligible small businesses: Some younger companies can apply a portion of the federal credit against payroll taxes.

Recognition for technical advancement: Work that improves reliability, function, or efficiency aligns with the purpose of the credit.

RCG evaluates Marion activities and prepares documentation that supports a fully compliant filing.

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

Marion companies frequently perform qualifying work during:

Prototype creation and refinement

Design adjustments and feasibility testing

Production process improvement

Material or performance evaluation

Software development and functionality enhancement

Equipment improvement or system modification

RCG interprets your engineering, development, and testing activities and prepares an audit-ready package for your CPA. When eligible, businesses also capture credits for open tax years, improving financial performance.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

RCG supports Marion companies across development-focused industries, including:

Manufacturing

Engineering and product design

Software and IT

Agricultural and food-processing technology

Industrial technology and automation

Fabrication, tooling, and machining

Medical and scientific development

Specialized production and technical services

Eligibility depends on the technical nature of the work, not on company size.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Marion businesses may qualify when they perform activities such as:

Engineering evaluation and technical review

Prototype design, testing, and refinement

Feasibility analysis

Material, structural, or performance testing

Improving system reliability or product performance

Enhancing production efficiency

Certification or compliance-related testing

Machinery or equipment improvements

Developing or updating software

Implementing automated controls

Reviewing engineering or testing data

Using CAD, CAM, or 3D modeling tools

RCG determines how each activity aligns with IRS requirements.

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying activities

    RCG reviews your technical, engineering, software, and development work.

  • 2. Gather supporting documentation

    We collect engineering notes, testing data, technical records, and qualified expense details.

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    RCG prepares structured, clear explanations using CrediTrak, our proprietary documentation system.

  • 4. Evaluate qualified research expenses

    We calculate wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to eligible activities.

  • 5.Deliver audit-ready documentation

    Your CPA receives a complete, compliant filing package.

  • 6. Provide clarification when needed

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

How the IRS Defines Qualified Research

Requirement Meaning
Permitted Purpose Work must improve performance, functionality, reliability, or quality.
Elimination of Uncertainty Teams resolve uncertainty related to design, method, or capability.
Process of Experimentation Testing, modeling, prototyping, or evaluation of alternatives is required.
Technological in Nature Activities rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science.

RCG helps Marion companies understand how their work meets these federal standards.

Documentation and Support

The R&D Tax Credit requires structured documentation. RCG prepares:

Technical summaries

Project descriptions

Testing and engineering details

Activity explanations

Qualified expense records

If additional details are requested, RCG responds using the audit-ready materials created during your engagement.

How RCG Works With Your Marion Team

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

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

CrediTrak Documentation –  We organize technical and financial data.

Deliverables for Your CPA –  Audit-ready documentation for accurate filing.

Support if Questions Arise –  We provide clarification as needed.

Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit

“We do not have a research lab.”

 Most qualifying work occurs in engineering, production, testing, or software environments.


“We are not a high-tech company.”

 Many Marion manufacturers, engineering teams, and service-based companies qualify.


“We only improve existing products.”

 Enhancements qualify when they involve technical evaluation or testing.


“This credit is only for large corporations.”

 Small and mid-sized Marion businesses qualify every year.


“We do not create new products.”

 Improving systems, software, equipment, or production processes qualifies.


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

 Technical testing, evaluation, and problem-solving often meet IRS standards.

Why Marion Companies Work With RCG

RCG combines accounting expertise, engineering understanding, and clear communication. Our specialists have completed thousands of R&D tax credit studies across diverse industries, giving us the insight needed to:


  • Identify qualifying activities efficiently
  • Translate technical work into IRS-aligned documentation
  • Prepare fully audit-ready filing materials


We understand how real operations in Marion handle design, testing, software development, and production improvement and we convert that work into compliant documentation.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Yes. Many refine processes, improve tooling, enhance quality, and test materials.

  • Do Marion software or IT companies qualify?

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

  • Do engineering or design firms qualify?

    Yes. Modeling, prototyping, and testing often satisfy IRS requirements.

  • Does process improvement qualify?

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

  • Do we need to create new products?

    No. Improvements to existing systems or processes often qualify.

  • What documentation is required?

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

  • What is the first step?

    A brief discussion with RCG to determine 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.