North Royalton R&D Tax Advisors

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

North Royalton is home to manufacturers, engineering teams, automation specialists, software developers, fabrication shops, and product design firms. These companies routinely refine processes, improve systems, enhance performance, and solve technical challenges, all of which frequently qualify for the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit.


Since 2004, RCG has completed more than 25,000 R&D tax credit studies, identifying more than $750 million in federal and state tax savings. Our team includes CPAs, engineers, architects, technical specialists, and tax professionals focused exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. North Royalton organizations rely on RCG for accurate, compliant, audit-ready documentation.


Many companies assume the R&D Tax Credit only applies to large corporations or formal R&D labs. In reality, small and mid-sized North Royalton businesses perform qualifying work every year. RCG identifies these activities 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, design refinement, software updates, and process improvement. North Royalton companies do not need a research lab to qualify. Eligible work frequently occurs during:



  • Prototype development
  • Material or performance testing
  • Engineering design adjustments
  • Production efficiency improvements
  • Software development and refinement
  • Equipment and tooling enhancements


Ohio also offers a state-level R&D incentive depending on your company’s situation.

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

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

Improved cash flow:  Companies often capture credits for the prior three years, providing immediate financial value.

Support for technical improvement and problem solving: Testing, prototyping, engineering evaluation, and software refinement often qualify as R&D.

Payroll tax benefit for eligible small businesses: Early-stage companies may apply a portion of the federal credit against payroll taxes.

Recognition for ongoing innovation: The credit supports technical work that improves products, systems, tools, or processes.

RCG evaluates your activities and prepares documentation aligned with IRS standards.

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

North Royalton companies frequently engage in work such as:

Prototype creation and refinement

Engineering analysis and validation

Software development and troubleshooting

Material and durability testing

Process optimization and automation

Equipment performance improvement

Product functionality enhancements

Many organizations do not realize their daily operations qualify. RCG interprets the technical work and prepares a complete audit-ready package.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

The R&D Tax Credit benefits many North Royalton organizations involved in technical development, including:

Manufacturing

Engineering and product development

Software and IT

Industrial automation

Medical and scientific technology

Fabrication, machining, and tooling

Consumer products

Specialized production

Qualification depends on the technical nature of the activities, not company size.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

North Royalton companies often qualify when performing work such as:

Engineering evaluations and redesign

Prototype development and testing

Early-stage feasibility studies

Material or performance testing

Improving production efficiency or reliability

Software updates or system enhancements

Certification, durability, or compliance testing

Equipment modification

Implementing automation or control systems

Reviewing engineering data or simulation results

Using CAD or 3D modeling software

RCG determines how these activities align with federal R&D requirements.

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying activities

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

  • 2. Gather technical and financial documentation

    We collect engineering notes, test results, technical records, and qualified expense data.

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    Technical summaries are developed using CrediTrak, RCG’s proprietary documentation platform.

  • 4. Evaluate qualified research expenses

    We assess wages, supply costs, and contractor expenses tied to qualifying activities.

  • 5. Deliver audit-ready documentation

    Your CPA receives a clean, complete filing package.

  • 6. Support during follow-up

    RCG provides clarification if taxing authorities request additional information.

How the IRS Defines Qualified Research

Requirement Meaning
Permitted Purpose Work improves function, performance, reliability, or quality.
Elimination of Uncertainty Teams resolve uncertainty related to method, capability, or design.
Process of Experimentation Work involves testing, modeling, analysis, or trial-and-error evaluation.
Technological in Nature Activities rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science.

RCG helps North Royalton organizations understand how their work meets federal criteria.

Documentation and Support

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

Project descriptions

Technical narratives

Engineering/testing summaries

Activity breakdowns

Qualified expense details

If taxing authorities request additional information, RCG responds using the documentation created during your engagement.

How RCG Works With Your North Royalton Team

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

Technical Discussions –  Our CPAs and engineers gather detailed development and improvement information.

CrediTrak Documentation –  RCG organizes technical and expense data in a clear, compliant format.

Deliverables for Your CPA –  We provide an audit-ready documentation package.

Support if Questions Arise –  RCG offers clarification whenever requested.

Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit

“We do not have a research lab.”

 Most qualifying work occurs in engineering, production, or software settings.


“We are not a technology company.”

 Many North Royalton manufacturers and service-driven companies qualify.


“We only make product improvements.”

 Enhancements qualify when technical testing or evaluation is involved.


“This credit is only for large corporations.”

 Small and mid-sized North Royalton companies qualify frequently.


“We do not create new products.”

 Improvements to existing tools, systems, or production methods can qualify.


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

 Testing, problem-solving, and evaluating alternatives align with IRS expectations.

Why North Royalton Companies Work With RCG

RCG brings engineering knowledge, tax expertise, and clear communication to every engagement. With thousands of completed R&D studies, we understand how qualifying work happens in real operations.


Our job is to translate your technical activities into documentation that supports a compliant R&D Tax Credit filing.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

If your North Royalton business is developing, refining, testing, or improving products or processes, you may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your activities and prepares the documentation your CPA needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are North Royalton manufacturers good candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?

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

  • Do software and IT companies qualify?

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

  • Do engineering or design firms qualify?

    Yes. Modeling, prototyping, and design iteration often align with IRS requirements.

  • Does process improvement qualify?

    Yes. Enhancing performance, reliability, or efficiency frequently qualifies.

  • Do we need new products to qualify?

    No. Enhancing existing systems or processes can qualify.

  • What documentation is required?

    Engineering notes, technical records, project summaries, and qualified expense documentation. RCG prepares the full audit-ready package.

  • What is the first step?

    A conversation with RCG to determine whether your work meets IRS expectations.

Our Serving Area

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