Federal R&D Tax Credit Services

Federal R&D Tax Credit Services for Engineering-Driven Companies

We help software, aerospace, manufacturing, AI, and technology companies identify, document, and defend federal R&D tax credits under Internal Revenue Code Section 41 through a CPA-led, flat-fee advisory model.

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July 2026
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R&D Tax Credit Basics

Why Acquisition Readiness Matters

For many growing companies, an acquisition process moves quickly.

When buyers begin diligence, they often request:

  • Historical tax filings
  • R&D credit studies
  • Section 174 calculations
  • Documentation supporting tax positions
  • Engineering payroll allocations
  • Supporting workpapers
  • Development activity documentation

Companies that are not prepared often face:

  • Delays in diligence
  • Additional legal and accounting costs
  • Purchase price adjustments
  • Escrow requirements
  • Increased buyer scrutiny

Good documentation reduces friction and increases confidence.

Why It Matters

Why R&D Credits Receive Additional Attention During Diligence

R&D tax credits are valuable assets.

They also represent areas buyers frequently review in detail.

Buyers often want to understand:

  • How credits were calculated
  • Documentation supporting the claim
  • Allocation methodologies
  • Historical filing consistency
  • Section 174 treatment
  • Potential audit exposure

Strong documentation helps reduce uncertainty during diligence discussions.

Eligibility

What Acquisition Readiness Looks Like

An acquisition-ready company generally has:

✓ Completed R&D credit studies

✓ Supporting technical narratives

✓ Qualified research expense summaries

✓ Engineering payroll allocations

✓ Section 174 schedules

✓ Consistent annual methodologies

✓ Organized workpapers

✓ Clear CPA coordination

Driving Growth Through Strategic Clarity

Expenses That May Qualify

Employee Wages

Engineering payroll is often the largest component of the credit.

Contractor Costs

Certain contractor expenses may qualify.

Cloud Computing Costs

Some development-related cloud expenses may be eligible.

Prototype Costs

Physical prototype and testing expenses can qualify in certain situations.

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Common Issues Found During Due Diligence

Missing Technical Documentation

Many companies have payroll records but lack documentation explaining qualifying activities.

Inconsistent Methodologies

Different approaches across multiple tax years create concerns.

Unsupported Cost Allocations

Engineering payroll often lacks defensible allocation methodologies.

Missing Section 174 Support

Many companies have incomplete capitalization schedules.

Limited Internal Processes

Documentation frequently depends on individuals rather than repeatable systems.

How We Work

Why Companies Choose Us

At our company, every project begins with a deep understanding of your unique needs. We believe that a successful partnership is built on transparent communication, collaborative innovation, and a methodical approach that transforms challenges into measurable results.

01
CPA-Led Expertise
Our founder previously worked within a large international accounting firm supporting complex R&D engagements. That experience included organizations with more than 75 software subsidiaries requiring annual R&D analysis and documentation. Today we bring that same technical rigor to growth-stage companies
02
Specialized R&D Expertise
R&D tax credits and Section 174 issues frequently become diligence topics. We understand both.
03
Engineering Industry Experience
We understand engineering organizations and technical development processes.
04
Documentation First Approach
We focus heavily on defensibility and documentation quality.
05
Long-Term Partnership
Many clients begin with tax credits and continue working with us as they grow toward acquisition or exit events.

Flat fee vs. contingency pricing

Two common ways R&D credit studies get priced — and why the structure you choose affects far more than the invoice.

Category Flat fee model Contingency model
Pricing predictability Yes No
Fee increases with credit size No Yes
Alignment around defensibility High Variable
Long-term cost efficiency High Lower
Upfront cost Higher Lower
$10K

Most federal studies are completed for a flat fee of approximately $10,000, allowing clients to retain the full value of increasing credits as they scale.

FAQ

Do buyers review R&D tax credits during diligence?

Frequently, yes.

Potentially. Poor documentation can increase uncertainty and lead to additional diligence requests.

No., The best time to prepare is before an acquisition process begins.

Yes. Historical review is often part of the process

Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with outside advisors when needed

Insights & Success Stories

Expert Strategies, Industry Trends & Real Results

Stay ahead with the latest business insights, success stories, and industry trends. Explore expert advice, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies to drive growth and innovation in your business.
Find Out Whether Your Company Qualifies

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