Westlake R&D Tax Advisors

R&D Tax Credit Services for Westlake, Ohio Businesses

Westlake companies across manufacturing, engineering, product development, software, industrial technology, and scientific fields work daily to improve systems, refine processes, enhance products, and solve technical challenges. Many of these activities 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 more than $750 million in 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. Westlake businesses rely on RCG for precise, audit-ready documentation that supports compliant filings.


Many organizations assume the R&D credit only applies to large companies. In reality, small and mid-sized Westlake 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 design, testing, product enhancement, and software development. Westlake companies do not need a research lab to qualify eligible work often happens during prototype testing, design refinement, process improvement, and material evaluation.


Ohio also provides a state-level R&D incentive depending on the company’s tax position.

How the R&D Tax Credit Strengthens Your Westlake Business

Reduced tax liability: Qualified research expenses generate federal and (when eligible) state tax savings.

Improved cash flow through open tax year review:  Companies often claim credits for the last three open tax years, creating immediate value when applicable.

Support for ongoing development and innovation: Prototyping, engineering evaluation, testing, and software development often qualify.

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

Recognition for technical advancement: Work that improves product functionality, performance, efficiency, or reliability often aligns with the credit.

RCG evaluates Westlake activities and prepares documentation that supports accurate filing.

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

Westlake companies routinely engage in:

Prototype creation and refinement

Engineering analysis and design work

Material or performance testing

Software development and system updates

Production efficiency and reliability improvements

Technical evaluation and problem-solving

RCG reviews these activities, organizes engineering and financial details, and prepares a complete audit-ready documentation package.

Sectors That Qualify for R&D Tax Incentives

A wide range of Westlake industries qualify, including:

Manufacturing

Engineering and product design

Software and IT development

Medical and scientific technology

Industrial technology and automation

Tooling, machining, and fabrication

Consumer and specialty product development

Specialized production services

Eligibility depends on technical activity, not company size.

Who Qualifies for the R&D Tax Credit

Westlake businesses qualify when they perform activities such as:

Engineering evaluation and analysis

Prototype development and testing

Feasibility and early-stage trials

Performance, structural, or material testing

Improving production efficiency or reliability

Enhancing product or system functionality

Certification or compliance-related testing

Equipment or tooling modification

Developing or updating software

Implementing automation or control systems

Reviewing engineering, testing, or design data

Using CAD, simulations, or 3D modeling tools

RCG determines how these activities align with IRS expectations.

Steps to Claim Your R&D Tax Credit

  • 1. Identify qualifying activities

    RCG reviews engineering, development, and improvement workflows.

  • 2. Gather supporting documentation

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

  • 3. Document qualifying projects

    Technical summaries are prepared using CrediTrak, our proprietary documentation platform.

  • 4. Review qualified research expenses

    Wages, supplies, and contractor costs are evaluated for accuracy.

  • 5. Deliver audit-ready documentation

    Your CPA receives a complete filing package.

  • 6. Provide clarification when needed

    If taxing authorities request follow-up, RCG responds using prepared documentation.

How the IRS Defines Qualified Research

Requirement Meaning
Permitted Purpose Work improves functionality, performance, reliability, or quality.
Elimination of Uncertainty Teams resolve technical uncertainty related to method, capability, or design.
Process of Experimentation Activities involve testing, prototyping, modeling, evaluating alternatives, or structured analysis.
Technological in Nature Work relies on engineering, computer science, physical science, or similar principles.

RCG helps Westlake businesses understand how their activities align with these requirements.

Documentation and Support

RCG prepares all required documentation, including:

Technical project summaries

Engineering and testing records

Activity explanations

Qualified expense details

Audit-ready project narratives

If taxing authorities request clarification, RCG provides responses based on the documentation created.

How RCG Works With Your Westlake Team

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

Technical Discussions – Our engineers and CPAs gather detailed information about development and testing work.

CrediTrak Documentation – All project and expense details are organized in our proprietary system.

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

Support if Questions Arise – RCG provides clarification whenever additional details are requested.

Common Misconceptions About the R&D Tax Credit

“We do not have a research lab.”

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


“We are not a high-tech company.”

 Many Westlake manufacturers and service-based companies qualify.


“We only improve existing products.”

Enhancements often qualify when testing or evaluation is part of the process.


“This credit is only for large corporations.”

Small and mid-sized Westlake companies qualify consistently.


“We don’t develop new products.”
Improving existing tools, systems, software, or processes frequently qualifies.

“We already perform this work so it probably doesn’t count.”
Structured problem-solving, testing, and engineering refinement align with IRS criteria.

Why Westlake Companies Work With RCG

RCG combines accounting expertise, engineering knowledge, and clear communication. Having completed thousands of R&D studies, we understand how qualifying work occurs in real business environments. Our role is to translate those technical activities into clear, audit-ready documentation that supports compliant R&D Tax Credit filings.

Start Your R&D Tax Credit Review

If your Westlake company is developing, testing, refining, or improving products or processes, you may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. RCG evaluates your technical work and prepares the documentation required for accurate filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Yes, production improvements, tooling updates, testing, and quality enhancements often qualify.

  • Do Westlake software companies qualify?

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

  • Do engineering and design firms qualify?

    Yes. Prototyping, modeling, and technical adjustments often align with IRS requirements.

  • Does process improvement qualify?

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

  • Do we need to create new products?

    No. Improvements to existing systems or products qualify when technical evaluation is required.

  • What documentation is required?

    Testing data, engineering notes, project records, activity summaries, and qualified expense details. RCG prepares the complete audit-ready package.

  • What is the first step?

     A conversation with RCG to confirm 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.