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If your business is developing new products, improving processes or products, or investing in technical innovation, you may qualify for valuable federal and state Research & Development (“R&D”) tax credits.
At hfco, we help you identify and document qualifying activities, ensuring your claim is accurate, defensible, and aligned with current tax law.
Identifying and capturing R&D tax credit opportunities
R&D tax credits reward businesses for investing in innovation but many eligible activities are often overlooked or under-documented.
We help you uncover qualifying work, quantify eligible costs, and support your claim with the level of documentation required.
Our process will:
- Identify qualifying activities across your operations, including product, process, and technological improvements
- Analyze eligible expenses such as wages, supplies, and contracted research costs
- Quantify federal and applicable state tax credits
- Document your activities and methodologies to support IRS and state compliance
- Coordinate with your internal team to minimize disruption and streamline data collection
- Evaluate look-back opportunities to capture missed credits from prior years
- Align credit strategy with your broader tax planning approach
See if you qualify for R&D credits
Before a great strategic plan comes a clear-eyed assessment of where you are today.
Not sure if your activities qualify? Many businesses qualify more often than they realize. A quick conversation can help determine whether there’s an opportunity worth exploring.
Trust is the most important thing. We're not looking for someone who will put us in jeopardy legally or on a tax basis. Haefele does the right thing. For us, they have.
Dawn Varley, Corporate Controller
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What businesses ask about R&D tax credits
What types of activities qualify for R&D tax credits?
Activities focused on developing or improving products, processes, software, or techniques may qualify, particularly when they involve technical uncertainty and a process of experimentation.
Do we need to be in a lab or manufacturing environment to qualify?
No. R&D credits apply across many industries, including construction, manufacturing, software, engineering, architecture, technology, and even certain service-based businesses.
Can we claim credits for prior years?
Yes. Businesses can often claim credits for open tax years through a look-back analysis and amended returns, allowing them to capture missed opportunities.
How much could we benefit?
The value varies based on your activities and expenses, but credits can meaningfully reduce tax liability and improve cash flow.
How long does the process take?
Timelines vary, but most studies are completed within several weeks once documentation is gathered.
Meet your R&D credit team
Our team combines tax, technical, and industry experience to identify qualifying activities and document them in a way that stands up to scrutiny. Whether you’re exploring credits for the first time or looking to strengthen your approach, we’ll help you understand what’s available and how to capture it.
