Stow R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for Stow, Ohio Businesses

Stow businesses across manufacturing, engineering, industrial technology, consumer products, medical devices, and software regularly refine systems, enhance processes, improve production methods, 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, tax specialists, and technical professionals who work exclusively on R&D Tax Credits and Cost Segregation Studies. Stow companies rely on RCG for accurate, structured, audit-ready documentation that supports compliant filings.


Many local organizations believe the R&D Tax Credit is limited to large corporations or high-tech labs. In reality, small and mid-sized Stow businesses frequently perform qualifying work. RCG identifies these activities and prepares the documentation your CPA needs to file successfully.

What the R&D Tax Credit Is

The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive supporting engineering development, experimentation, testing, software improvement, and process refinement. Stow companies do not need a research lab to qualify, most eligible work happens during:


  • Prototype development
  • Material or process testing
  • Software updates or system enhancements
  • Production and efficiency improvements
  • Engineering evaluations


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

How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Stow Business

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

Improved cash flow: Stow companies often claim credits for open tax years typically the last three creating immediate financial benefit when eligible.

Support for ongoing development: Testing, design adjustments, software refinement, and technical iterations qualify when structured evaluation is involved.

Potential payroll tax benefit: Some early-stage businesses may apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.

Recognition for technical improvement: Work that improves function, reliability, performance, or efficiency aligns with the purpose of the R&D Tax Credit.

RCG evaluates your activities and prepares the documentation required for accurate filing.

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

Stow businesses commonly perform work that aligns with federal research standards, including:

Engineering design and analysis

Prototype trials and refinement

Material or product testing

Software development and system upgrades

Production process improvements

Reliability and quality testing

RCG interprets technical details and prepares an audit-ready documentation package. Companies may also secure credits for open tax years, improving overall liquidity when eligible.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

Stow organizations across a wide range of development-focused fields qualify for the R&D Tax Credit, including:

Manufacturing

Engineering and product development

Industrial technology

Medical and scientific technology

Consumer product innovation

Software and IT development

Tooling, machining, and fabrication

Specialized production and technical services

Eligibility is based on the technical nature of the work, not business size.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Stow companies may qualify when performing activities such as:

Engineering evaluations

Prototype creation and refinement

Feasibility analysis

Material, structural, or performance testing

Improving production efficiency

Enhancing product functionality

Certification or compliance testing

Equipment or system modification

Software development or updates

Implementing automation

Reviewing test or engineering data

CAD or 3D modeling

RCG determines how these activities align with IRS requirements for qualified research.

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying activities

    RCG reviews your engineering, technical, and development work.

  • 2. Gather supporting documentation

    We help organize testing information, engineering notes, technical details, and qualified expenses.

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    RCG prepares structured technical summaries using CrediTrak, our proprietary platform.

  • 4. Review qualified research expenses

    We analyze wages, supply costs, and contracted services tied to qualifying work.

  • 5. Deliver audit-ready documentation

    Your CPA receives a complete and compliant filing package.

  • 6. Provide clarification when needed

    If taxing authorities request more information, RCG responds using the documentation we prepared.

How the IRS Defines Qualified Research

Requirement Meaning
Permitted Purpose Work improves function, reliability, performance, or quality.
Elimination of Uncertainty Teams resolve uncertainty tied to capability, method, or design.
Process of Experimentation Testing, prototyping, modeling, or evaluating alternatives.
Technological in Nature Work relies on engineering, computer science, physical sciences, or biological sciences.

RCG helps Stow companies understand how their activities fit these guidelines.

Documentation and Support

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

Project summaries

Technical narratives

Engineering and testing documentation

Qualified expense records

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

How RCG Works With Your Stow Team

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

Technical Discussions –  Our CPAs and engineers gather details about testing, development, and improvement work.

CrediTrak Documentation –  RCG organizes all activity details and expenses using our proprietary platform.

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

Support if Questions Arise –  RCG responds whenever additional clarification is 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 technology company.”

 Many Stow manufacturers and service-based organizations qualify.


“We only improve existing products.”

 Enhancements qualify when structured testing or evaluation occurs.


“This credit is only for large corporations.”

 Small and mid-sized Stow businesses qualify every year.


“We don’t develop new products.”

 Improvements to existing systems or production methods qualify.


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

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

Why Stow Companies Work With RCG

RCG combines accounting experience, engineering insight, and clear communication. Our specialists have completed thousands of R&D tax credit studies, giving us deep expertise in identifying and documenting qualifying activities.


We understand how engineering development, testing, software refinement, and production improvements occur in real Stow operations. Our role is to translate this technical work into audit-ready documentation that supports a compliant filing.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

If your Stow business is developing, refining, testing, or improving products or processes, you may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG reviews your activities and prepares all documentation required for accurate filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

  • Do Stow software or IT companies qualify?

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

  • Do engineering and design firms qualify?

    Yes. Modeling, prototyping, design refinement, and analysis often meet IRS requirements.

  • Does process improvement qualify?

    Yes. Enhancing performance, reliability, quality, or efficiency qualifies when technical steps are involved.

  • Do we need to develop new products?

    No. Improvements to existing products or systems qualify when they involve technical evaluation.

  • What documentation is required?

    Engineering notes, testing data, project summaries, technical details, and qualified expense records.


    RCG prepares a complete audit-ready package.

  • What is the first step?

    A conversation with RCG to determine how 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.