Westerville R&D Tax Advisors
R&D Tax Credit
R&D Tax Credit Services for Westerville, Ohio Businesses
Westerville companies across manufacturing, engineering, product development, industrial technology, medical technology, and software consistently improve products, refine processes, enhance reliability, and solve technical challenges. Much of this work fits the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit even when companies do not operate formal research labs.
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. Westerville organizations rely on RCG for accurate, structured, audit-ready documentation that supports compliant filing.
Many local businesses believe the R&D Tax Credit is only for large or high-tech corporations. In reality, small and mid-sized Westerville companies frequently perform qualifying work. RCG helps identify these activities and prepares the documentation needed for accurate filing. Serving Westerville and the Greater Columbus Region.
What the R&D Tax Credit Is
The R&D Tax Credit is a federal incentive supporting technical development, engineering evaluation, testing, software refinement, and process improvement. Westerville companies do not need a dedicated research lab to qualify. Eligible activities commonly occur during prototype development, software upgrades, design changes, and production improvements.
Ohio also offers a state-level R&D incentive depending on the company’s situation.
How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Westerville Business
Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal and, when applicable, state tax benefits.
Improved cash flow: Businesses frequently claim credits for open tax years typically the last three providing immediate financial value when eligible.
Support for technical improvement: Testing, prototyping, software enhancement, and engineering evaluation qualify when technical steps are involved.
Potential payroll tax benefit for eligible small businesses: Some early-stage companies apply a portion of the federal credit toward payroll taxes.
Recognition for innovation and advancement: Work invested in improving products, systems, software, and production methods aligns with the intent of the credit.
RCG evaluates Westerville activities and prepares documentation that aligns with IRS expectations.
What the R&D Tax Credit Can Do for Your Westerville Operations
Westerville companies regularly perform engineering analysis, prototype refinement, production optimization, software development, and material testing. When teams evaluate alternatives, test systems, solve technical problems, or refine functionality, they often complete work that qualifies as research.
RCG analyzes your development and improvement work, interprets technical details, and prepares a complete audit-ready documentation package. When eligible, companies also capture credits for open tax years, strengthening financial performance.
Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives
Westerville businesses across many technical and development-focused areas may qualify, including:
Manufacturing
Engineering and product design
Software and IT development
Medical and scientific technology
Industrial technology and automation
Fabrication, machining, and tooling
Consumer product innovation
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
Westerville companies may qualify when they perform activities such as:
Engineering evaluations and technical analysis
Prototype creation and refinement
Early-stage feasibility testing
Material, structural, or performance testing
Improving production or system efficiency
Enhancing product functionality or reliability
Certification, durability, or compliance testing
Modifying equipment for improved performance
Developing or updating software
Implementing automation or control systems
Analyzing engineering or test data
Using CAD or 3D modeling tools
RCG determines how these activities align with federal requirements.
Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit
1. Identify qualifying activities
RCG reviews your engineering, software, and development work.
2. Gather technical and financial documentation
We help collect engineering notes, testing data, technical details, and qualified expenses.
3. Document qualifying projects
RCG prepares structured technical summaries using CrediTrak.
4. Evaluate qualified research expenses
We review wages, supplies, and contractor costs tied to qualified activities.
5. Deliver audit ready documentation
Your CPA receives a complete filing package.
6. Provide clarification when needed
RCG responds to taxing authorities using the documentation created during your engagement.
How the IRS Defines Qualified Research
| Requirement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Permitted Purpose | The work improves function, performance, reliability, or quality. |
| Elimination of Uncertainty | Teams resolve uncertainty related to capability, method, or design. |
| Process of Experimentation | Work includes testing, modeling, prototyping, or evaluating alternatives. |
| Technological in Nature | Activities rely on engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, or computer science. |
RCG helps Westerville organizations understand how their work meets these standards.
Documentation and Support
The R&D Tax Credit requires clear, organized documentation. RCG prepares:
Project descriptions
Technical summaries
Engineering and testing details
Qualified expense records
If taxing authorities request clarification, RCG provides responses using the audit-ready materials prepared.
How RCG Works With Your Westerville Team
Initial Review –
We learn about your Westerville operations and identify qualifying activities.
Technical Discussions – Our specialists gather engineering, testing, software, and production details.
CrediTrak Documentation –
We organize project and expense data using RCG’s proprietary system.
Deliverables for Your CPA –
Your CPA receives a complete, audit-ready filing package.
Support if Questions Arise –
RCG provides clarification when additional details are requested.
Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit
“We do not have a research lab.”
Most qualifying work occurs in engineering, testing, production, or software environments.
“We are not a technology company.”
Many Westerville manufacturers and service-based companies qualify.
“We only improve existing products.”
Enhancements qualify when technical evaluation or testing is involved.
“This credit is only for large corporations.”
Small and mid-sized Westerville businesses qualify consistently
“We do not develop new products.”
Improvements to existing systems, software, or production methods qualify under federal guidelines.
“We already perform this work, so it probably does not count.”
Evaluating options, solving technical problems, and testing concepts often satisfy IRS criteria.
Why Hilliard Companies Work With RCG
RCG combines accounting expertise, engineering insight, and clear communication. Our specialists have extensive experience identifying qualifying activities and translating them into accurate, audit-ready documentation.
We understand how engineering development, software refinement, production improvements, and testing occur inside real operations. Our role is to convert that work into compliant documentation that supports a successful R&D Tax Credit filing.
Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review
If your Westerville company 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 your CPA needs for accurate filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Westerville manufacturers strong candidates for the R&D Tax Credit?
Yes. Many manufacturers refine production processes, evaluate materials, enhance tooling, and improve product quality in ways that meet R&D criteria.
Do Westerville software and IT companies qualify?
Yes. Software development typically includes testing, refinement, and structured technical evaluation.
Can engineering and design firms qualify?
Yes. Modeling, prototyping, testing, and design refinement frequently align with IRS requirements.
Does the credit apply to process improvements?
Yes. Enhancing performance, quality, reliability, or efficiency often qualifies when technical steps are involved.
Do we need to create new products?
No. Improvements to existing systems or production methods qualify.
What documentation is required?
Engineering notes, testing data, project descriptions, technical information, and qualified expense records. RCG prepares a full audit-ready package.
What is the first step?
A conversation with RCG to determine how your activities align with federal guidelines.
Our Serving Area
RCG assists clients in identifying and documenting available adoption assistance tax credits throughout the state of Ohio.
