Springfield R&D Tax Advisors
R&D Tax Credit
R&D Tax Credit Services for Springfield, Ohio Businesses
Springfield companies across manufacturing, engineering, industrial technology, scientific development, and software consistently work to improve systems, develop better solutions, and refine production methods. Much of this work aligns with the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit, even for organizations without dedicated research facilities.
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 works exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Springfield businesses rely on RCG for accurate, audit ready documentation that supports a compliant filing.
Many organizations assume R&D incentives are intended only for large corporations. In reality, small and mid sized Springfield companies frequently perform technical activities that qualify. RCG identifies these activities and prepares the documentation needed for a successful filing.
What the R&D Tax Credit Is
The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive that supports technical development, testing, engineering design, and process improvement. Companies in Springfield do not need research labs or formal R&D departments. Qualifying work is often part of everyday engineering, prototyping, problem solving, and software refinement.
Ohio also offers a state level incentive that applies depending on the company’s situation.
How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Springfield Business
Creates direct tax savings: Qualified research expenses generate federal and, when applicable, state tax benefits.
Allows credit capture for open tax years: Businesses often secure credits for open years, typically the last three years, resulting in immediate financial value when eligible.
Supports ongoing development work: Structured testing, engineering evaluation, prototype refinement, and process improvement align with the credit’s purpose.
Benefits eligible early stage companies: Some qualifying small businesses apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes under IRS rules.
Recognizes technical advancement: Improving performance, increasing efficiency, developing solutions, or enhancing reliability fits within qualified research requirements.
RCG helps Springfield organizations understand how their work aligns with the credit and prepares the documentation needed for accurate filing.
What the R&D Tax Credit Does for Springfield Operations
Springfield companies regularly perform engineering analysis, prototyping, testing, software development, production adjustments, and system improvements. When teams analyze data, evaluate alternatives, refine designs, or address technical uncertainties, they often perform activities recognized under the R&D Tax Credit.
RCG documents these activities clearly and prepares a complete audit ready package for your CPA. Companies also secure credits for open tax years when eligible, improving overall financial performance.
Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives
RCG documents these activities clearly and prepares a complete audit ready package for your CPA. Companies also secure credits for open tax years when eligible, improving overall financial performance.
Manufacturing
Industrial technology
Engineering and product design
Medical and scientific development
Software and IT
Fabrication and tooling
Automation and controls
Specialized production
Eligibility is determined by the technical nature of the work, not the size or label of the business.
Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit
Springfield companies qualify when they perform activities such as:
Engineering design or evaluation
Prototype development and testing
Feasibility and early stage analysis
Material and performance testing
Improving efficiency, performance, or reliability
Enhancing product, system, or software functionality
Certification or compliance testing
Equipment upgrades or modifications
Developing or updating software systems
Implementing automation and controls
Reviewing engineering or technical data
Using CAD or 3D modeling tools
RCG identifies how these activities align with IRS requirements.
Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit
1. Identify qualifying activities
RCG reviews your engineering, development, and improvement work.
2. Collect technical and financial documentation
We help organize engineering notes, test data, technical information, and qualified expense records.
3. Document qualifying projects
RCG prepares detailed technical explanations using CrediTrak, our proprietary documentation system.
4. Evaluate qualified research expenses
We review wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to qualified work.
5. Deliver audit ready documentation
RCG provides a complete package for accurate filing by your CPA.
6. Provide clarification when needed
If taxing authorities request additional detail, RCG responds using the documentation prepared.
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 capability, method, or design. |
| Process of Experimentation | Work evaluates alternatives through testing, modeling, or structured analysis. |
| Technological in Nature | Activities rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science. |
RCG helps Springfield companies understand how their projects align with these federal standards.
Documentation and Support
Accurate documentation is critical for successful tax credit filings. RCG prepares project descriptions, technical summaries, activity narratives, and qualified expense records in a clear, organized format. When taxing authorities request additional information, RCG responds using the documentation created during your engagement.
How RCG Works With Your Euclid Team
Initial Review –
We learn about your Springfield operations and identify technical activities that qualify.
Technical Discussions – Our specialists gather details about engineering, testing, software development, and production improvement.
CrediTrak Documentation – We organize project information and qualified expenses using RCG’s proprietary documentation system.
Deliverables for Your CPA – We prepare audit ready documentation to support accurate and compliant filing..
Support if Questions Arise – RCG provides clarification when taxing authorities or your CPA request additional detail.
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 Springfield manufacturers and development focused organizations perform qualifying activities.
“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 Springfield businesses consistently qualify.
“We do not develop new products.”
Improvements to systems, software, or production methods qualify under federal rules.
“We already perform this work, so it probably does not count.”
Technical evaluation, problem solving, and structured testing align with IRS expectations.
Why Springfield Companies Work With RCG
RCG combines accounting expertise, engineering insight, and practical communication. Our specialists have completed thousands of R&D studies, giving us the experience to identify qualifying activities quickly and document them accurately.
We understand how testing, engineering development, production improvement, and software refinement occur in real operations. Our role is to translate that work into documentation that supports a successful R&D tax credit filing.
Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review
If your Springfield company is developing, testing, refining, or improving products or processes, you can qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your technical work and prepares the documentation your CPA needs for filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Springfield manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?
Yes. Many Springfield manufacturers enhance product quality, materials, and production processes in ways that align with federal criteria.
Do Springfield technology companies qualify?
Yes. Software development activities often involve structured testing and technical refinement.
Do engineering and product design firms qualify?
Yes. Modeling, prototyping, testing, and design revisions often meet R&D standards.
Does the credit apply to process improvements?
Yes. Improvements to performance, quality, reliability, or efficiency align with IRS expectations.
Do we need new products to qualify?
No. Enhancements to existing products and processes qualify.
What documentation is required?
Engineering details, project notes, technical data, testing information, and qualified expense records. RCG prepares the complete audit ready package.
What is the first step?
A conversation with RCG to review your engineering and development activities.
Our Serving Area
RCG assists clients in identifying and documenting available adoption assistance tax credits throughout the state of Ohio.
