Mason R&D Tax Advisors
R&D Tax Credit
R&D Tax Credit Services for Mason, Ohio Businesses
Mason is home to growing sectors in manufacturing, engineering, medical technology, advanced materials, and software development. Local companies consistently refine processes, improve products, enhance systems, and solve technical challenges. These activities often qualify for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit even without a formal R&D 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 includes CPAs, engineers, architects, technical specialists, and tax professionals who work exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Mason companies rely on RCG for accurate, organized, audit-ready documentation that supports compliant filings.
Many organizations assume the credit applies only to large corporations. In reality, small and mid-sized Mason businesses frequently perform qualifying technical work. RCG identifies those activities and prepares the documentation needed for accurate filing by your CPA.
What the R&D Tax Credit Is
The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive that supports technical development, engineering design, product improvement, testing, and software enhancement. Mason companies do not need a research lab to qualify. Most qualifying work happens during prototyping, production refinement, design iteration, automation development, and software updates. Ohio also provides a state-level incentive depending on your company’s situation.
How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Mason Business
Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal and, when applicable, state tax savings.
Improved cash flow: Many Mason companies claim credits for open tax years (typically the last three), improving cash flow when eligible.
Support for engineering and development: Testing, prototyping, refining software, and solving technical problems often qualify when structured analysis is involved.
Potential payroll tax benefit for eligible small businesses: Some early-stage organizations apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.
Recognition for technical progress: Work that enhances products, equipment, systems, or manufacturing processes aligns with the intent of the credit.
RCG evaluates which activities qualify and prepares documentation that supports accurate filing.
What the R&D Tax Credit Can Do for Your Mason Operations
Mason organizations routinely perform engineering evaluations, prototype testing, system improvements, automation development, and software engineering. When teams evaluate options, refine designs, test performance, or improve reliability, they often perform work that meets IRS criteria.
RCG interprets these activities and prepares audit-ready documentation. Eligible companies also capture credits for open tax years, strengthening overall financial performance.
Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives
Technical work across many Mason industries aligns with the R&D Tax Credit, including:
Manufacturing
Engineering and product development
Medical and scientific technology
Software and IT
Industrial technology and automation
Tooling, machining, and fabrication
Consumer product development
Specialized technical services
Eligibility depends on the technical nature of the work, not the size of the company.
Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit
Mason companies qualify when they perform technical activities such as:
Engineering analysis and evaluation
Prototype creation and testing
Feasibility studies or early-stage research
Material, structural, or performance testing
Improving production efficiency or reliability
Enhancing product or system functionality
Certification or compliance testing
Equipment redesign or modification
Developing or updating software
Implementing automation or control systems
Reviewing technical or testing data
Using CAD or 3D modeling tools
RCG determines how these activities align with federal R&D standards.
Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit
1. Identify qualifying activities
RCG reviews your engineering, development, and improvement work.
2. Gather supporting documentation
We collect engineering notes, test records, technical details, and qualified expense data.
3. Document qualifying projects
RCG prepares clear technical summaries using CrediTrak.
4. Review qualified research expenses
Wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to qualifying activities are evaluated.
5. Deliver audit-ready documentation
Your CPA receives a complete filing package.
6. Provide clarification when needed
If taxing authorities request additional 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 around capability, method, or design. |
| Process of Experimentation | Activities involve testing, modeling, prototyping, or evaluating alternatives. |
| Technological in Nature | Work relies on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science. |
RCG helps Mason companies understand how their activities fit these guidelines.
Documentation and Support
RCG prepares:
Project descriptions
Technical summaries
Engineering and testing details
Qualified expense records
If taxing authorities request clarification, RCG responds using the documentation created during your engagement.
How RCG Works With Your Mason Team
Initial Review –
We learn about your Mason operations and identify potential qualifying work.
Technical Discussions –
Our specialists gather engineering, software, production, and testing details.
CrediTrak Documentation –
We organize technical activity and qualified expense information using RCG’s proprietary platform.
Deliverables for Your CPA –
We provide a complete audit-ready documentation package.
Support if Questions Arise –
RCG offers clarification when additional detail is requested.
Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit
“We do not have a research lab.”
Most qualifying work occurs in engineering, design, production, or software environments.
“We are not a high-tech company.”
Many Mason manufacturers and development-focused organizations qualify.
“We only improve existing products.”
Enhancements qualify when structured testing or evaluation is involved.
“This credit is only for large corporations.”
Small and mid-sized Mason companies qualify every year.
“We do not develop new products.”
Improving existing systems, software, or processes often qualifies.
“We already perform this work, so it probably does not count.”
Testing, evaluation, and solving technical challenges align with IRS requirements.
Why Mason Companies Work With RCG
RCG blends accounting knowledge, engineering understanding, and clear communication. Our specialized experience documenting thousands of R&D studies allows us to identify eligible activities efficiently and present them in a compliant, audit-ready format.
We understand how engineering development, testing, design refinement, software improvement, and production enhancement operate inside real Mason businesses. Our role is to translate that work into accurate documentation that supports the credit.
Serving Mason and the greater Cincinnati region.
Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review
If your Mason business is developing, refining, testing, or improving products or processes, you may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG reviews your technical activities and prepares the documentation required for accurate filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mason manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?
Yes. Many manufacturers refine production processes, improve equipment, test materials, and enhance quality.
Do Mason software and IT companies qualify?
Yes. Software development frequently involves testing and structured technical refinement.
Can Mason engineering and design firms qualify?
Yes. Prototyping, modeling, design revisions, and performance testing often align with IRS requirements.
Does process improvement qualify?
Yes. Enhancing efficiency, reliability, quality, or performance often qualifies when technical steps are involved.
Do we need new products to qualify?
No. Improvements to existing products, systems, or manufacturing methods may qualify.
What documentation is required?
Engineering notes, testing details, technical documents, project descriptions, and qualified expense data. RCG prepares the complete audit-ready package.
What is the first step?
A conversation with RCG to confirm whether your activities align with IRS guidelines.
Our Serving Area
RCG assists clients in identifying and documenting available adoption assistance tax credits throughout the state of Ohio.
