North Olmsted R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for North Olmsted, Ohio Businesses

North Olmsted companies across manufacturing, engineering, product design, software development, metal fabrication, and industrial technology consistently work to improve performance, refine processes, enhance product reliability, and solve technical challenges. These activities often qualify for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit — even without a formal research department.


RCG has completed more than 25,000 R&D tax credit studies since 2004, identifying more than $750 million in combined federal and state tax savings. Our team of CPAs, engineers, architects, and technical specialists works exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. North Olmsted organizations rely on RCG for accurate, audit-ready documentation that supports compliant filings.


Many companies assume the R&D Tax Credit applies only to large corporations. In reality, small and mid-sized North Olmsted businesses perform qualifying technical activities every year. RCG identifies these opportunities and prepares the documentation your CPA needs.

What the R&D Tax Credit Is

The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive supporting engineering development, testing, software enhancement, and process improvement. North Olmsted companies do not need a research lab to qualify. Qualifying work is common during prototype refinement, product testing, design evaluation, and production improvement. Ohio also offers a state-level R&D incentive depending on the company’s tax position.

How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your North Olmsted Business

Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal and (when applicable) state tax benefits.

Improved cash flow through open tax year review:  Companies may capture credits for the last three open years, providing immediate financial value when eligible.

Support for ongoing innovation and development: Prototyping, engineering evaluation, testing, and system improvement often qualify when technical steps are involved.

Potential payroll tax benefit for eligible small businesses: Some early-stage businesses can apply a portion of the credit against payroll taxes.

Recognition for technical advancement: Work related to improving product performance, efficiency, reliability, or functionality aligns with the credit.

RCG evaluates North Olmsted activities and prepares documentation designed for accurate filing.

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

North Olmsted organizations frequently perform:

Prototype design and refinement

Engineering analysis

Material and performance testing

Software development and system enhancements

Production efficiency improvements

Technical evaluation and problem-solving

Process optimization

These activities frequently meet federal R&D criteria. RCG reviews your workflows, interprets technical details, and prepares audit-ready documentation.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

A wide range of North Olmsted industries may qualify, including:

Manufacturing

Engineering and product design

Aerospace supply chain & industrial components

Software and information technology

Medical and scientific technology

Tooling, machining, and fabrication

Industrial automation

Consumer product improvement

Eligibility depends on technical work, not industry size.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

North Olmsted companies qualify when they perform activities such as:

Engineering evaluations and design exploration

Prototype development and testing

Feasibility or early-stage analysis

Material, performance, or durability testing

Improving production efficiency or product reliability

Enhancing product functionality or quality

Certification and compliance testing

Tooling, equipment, or system modification

Developing or updating software

Implementing automation or control solutions

Reviewing technical data and test results

Using CAD models, simulations, or 3D design tools

RCG identifies how these activities align with IRS definitions.

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying activities

    RCG reviews engineering, development, and production workflows.

  • 2. Gather technical and financial documentation

    We collect engineering notes, testing data, project records, and qualified expense information.

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    Technical summaries are prepared using CrediTrak, our proprietary system.

  • 4. Evaluate qualified research expenses

    We review wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to qualified work.

  • 5. Deliver audit-ready documentation

    Your CPA receives a clean, compliant filing package.

  • 6. Support during follow-up

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

How the IRS Defines Qualified Research

Requirement Meaning
Permitted Purpose Work targets improvements to function, performance, quality, or reliability.
Elimination of Uncertainty Teams resolve uncertainty regarding method, capability, or design.
Process of Experimentation Activities involve modeling, testing, prototyping, or evaluating alternatives.
Technological in Nature Work relies on engineering, computer science, physical sciences, or similar principles.

RCG helps North Olmsted businesses determine how their activities meet these standards.

Documentation and Support

RCG prepares all documentation required for a compliant filing, including:

Technical project summaries

Engineering and testing details

Activity explanations

Qualified expense documentation

Audit-ready narratives

If taxing authorities request clarification, RCG provides responses using the documentation created during the engagement.

How RCG Works With Your North Olmsted Team

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

Technical Discussions –  Engineers and CPAs gather development, testing, and production details.

CrediTrak Documentation –  RCG organizes all project and expense data.

Deliverables for Your CPA –  A complete audit-ready documentation package is provided.

Support if Questions Arise –  RCG offers clarification upon request.

Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit

“We do not have a research lab.”

 Most qualifying work happens in engineering, production, design, or software environments.


“We are not a technology company.”

 Many North Olmsted manufacturers and service-driven companies qualify.


“We only improve existing products.”

 Enhancements often qualify when testing or technical evaluation is included.


“This credit is only for large corporations.”

 Small and mid-sized North Olmsted businesses qualify regularly.


“We don’t develop new products.”

 Improvements to existing systems, processes, or tools frequently qualify


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

 Engineering refinement, structured testing, and problem-solving meet IRS requirements.

Why North Olmsted Companies Work With RCG

RCG combines accounting expertise, engineering understanding, and clear communication. Having completed thousands of R&D studies, we know how qualifying activities occur inside real operations.


Our job is to translate your technical work into clean, audit-ready documentation that supports a compliant R&D Tax Credit filing.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

If your North Olmsted business is developing, testing, refining, or improving products or processes, you may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your technical activities and prepares the documentation needed for accurate filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

  • Do software and IT companies qualify?

    Yes. Software development often involves structured testing and refinement.

  • Do engineering and design firms qualify?

    Yes, prototyping, modeling, and design analysis frequently meet IRS criteria.

  • Does process improvement qualify?

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

  • Do we need to develop new products?

    No, improvements to existing systems or products can also qualify.

  • What documentation is required?

    Engineering notes, testing details, project summaries, and qualified expense data. RCG prepares a complete audit-ready package.

  • What is the first step?

    A brief discussion with RCG to confirm which 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.