Most Small Businesses Qualify
If your team solves technical problems, the IRS may owe you money.
What Are R&D Credits?
The IRS rewards companies for technical problem-solving. If your business develops new products, improves existing ones, or figures out better ways to do things — you're probably doing work that qualifies.
This isn't a deduction. It's a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the taxes you owe.
~10%
Federal Credit
Of qualifying wages
+7.5%
California Credit
Additional state credit
= 17.5%
Combined
Typical total benefit
Companies in architecture, engineering, software, construction, and manufacturing commonly qualify — often without realizing it.
What You Don't Need
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Patents
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A lab
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A maniacal laugh
You just need to be solving problems where the answer isn't obvious.
Do I Qualify for the Credit?
If you can check any of these, you might qualify:
What Qualifies?
Click your industry to see which activities count.
code Software Development
By development phase:
Discovery & Requirements
check_circle Researching whether a technical approach will work
check_circle Prototyping to see if something is even possible
cancel Gathering what users want (business requirements)
Design & Architecture
check_circle Designing a system that handles scale you've never dealt with
check_circle Figuring out how to make two systems talk to each other
cancel Standard wireframes and mockups
Development & Build
check_circle Building features that didn't exist before
check_circle Solving performance problems with no obvious solution
cancel Coding from detailed specs (no unknowns)
Testing
check_circle Testing to discover what breaks under new conditions
check_circle Load testing to find your system's limits
cancel Routine QA to verify it works as designed
Deployment & DevOps
check_circle Building custom deployment pipelines for unique needs
check_circle Automating infrastructure that didn't exist before
cancel Using standard CI/CD tools as documented
architecture Architecture & Engineering
By project phase:
Feasibility
check_circle Analyzing whether a design approach will work on a challenging site
check_circle Evaluating new materials or structural systems
cancel Standard site surveys and zoning review
Pre-Design & Programming
check_circle Solving space constraints with innovative layouts
check_circle Designing for unique functional requirements
cancel Standard programming and space planning
Schematic Design
check_circle Developing a structural system for unusual loads or spans
check_circle Integrating sustainable design with no established solution
cancel Standard layout drawings
Design Development
check_circle Engineering custom MEP systems for unique building needs
check_circle Developing details for unconventional assemblies
cancel Standard specifications from manufacturer guides
Construction Documents
check_circle Documenting novel construction techniques
check_circle Coordination requiring new solutions
cancel Standard permit drawings and details
Construction Administration
check_circle Solving unforeseen technical problems in the field
check_circle Redesigning when conditions differ from plans
cancel Standard site observation and RFI responses
precision_manufacturing Manufacturing
By development phase:
Research & Concept
check_circle Investigating whether a new product design is manufacturable
check_circle Testing new materials for your application
cancel Market research on what customers want
Prototyping
check_circle Building prototypes to see if a design works
check_circle Iterating on designs when the first attempt fails
cancel Making samples of established products
Process Development
check_circle Figuring out how to make something you've never made
check_circle Reducing waste or improving yield with new methods
cancel Following established production procedures
Tooling & Fixtures
check_circle Designing custom jigs and fixtures for new parts
check_circle Modifying equipment to handle new requirements
cancel Ordering standard tooling from catalogs
Scale-Up & Production
check_circle Solving problems when scaling from prototype to production
check_circle Troubleshooting when production doesn't match prototype
cancel Running the production line day-to-day
biotech Biotech & Life Sciences
By development phase:
Discovery
check_circle Developing new assays or detection methods
check_circle Screening compounds for activity
cancel Running established assays on new samples
Preclinical Development
check_circle Designing studies to test safety or efficacy
check_circle Optimizing formulations for stability or delivery
cancel Routine sample analysis
Process Development
check_circle Optimizing cell culture conditions to improve yield
check_circle Developing purification methods for new products
cancel Following established SOPs
Scale-Up
check_circle Solving problems when moving from bench to pilot scale
check_circle Adapting processes for larger equipment
cancel Production runs using validated processes
Analytical & Regulatory
check_circle Developing new analytical methods for novel compounds
check_circle Creating validation protocols for new processes
cancel Compiling standard regulatory submissions
flight Aerospace & Defense
By development phase:
Concept & Feasibility
check_circle Analyzing whether a design will meet performance requirements
check_circle Evaluating materials for weight, strength, or thermal properties
cancel Reviewing customer specifications
Preliminary Design
check_circle Designing components that balance competing requirements
check_circle Running simulations to predict performance
cancel Standard CAD work from established designs
Detailed Design
check_circle Engineering parts that are lighter or stronger than before
check_circle Solving thermal, vibration, or stress challenges
cancel Drafting from approved specifications
Prototype & Fabrication
check_circle Building prototypes to test if the design works
check_circle Developing fabrication processes for new materials
cancel Manufacturing to established drawings
Testing & Validation
check_circle Testing under conditions that haven't been tried before
check_circle Evaluating failure modes and iterating on designs
cancel Standard acceptance testing
Certification
check_circle Developing test protocols for new certification requirements
check_circle Engineering changes to address certification findings
cancel Standard documentation for known certifications
Meet the Founder
Jesse Sheppard
Big Four R&D Experience
R&D tax credit studies across defense, manufacturing, semiconductor, energy, architecture, and software
Meta Tax Technology
Built technology solutions for tax teams managing billions in credits
Marine Corps Veteran
Attention to detail and commitment to getting things right
Founder-Led Service
I personally respond to every inquiry and support every customer