R&D Tax Credit Advisory

Unlock Dollar-for-Dollar
Tax Savings Through
Innovation

The R&D Tax Credit (26 U.S. Code §41) rewards businesses that invest in U.S.-based research and development. Finova Advisors maximizes your credit — from qualification through filing.

Start Your Free Analysis Learn How It Works
2,000+
Clients Served
4 Years
Retroactive Claim Window
Up to 20%
of Qualified R&D Expenses
20 Yrs
Credit Carryforward
The Credit Explained

What Is the R&D Tax Credit?

A permanent federal tax incentive that delivers direct, dollar-for-dollar reductions to your tax liability for qualifying research and development activity conducted within the United States.

  • Dollar-for-dollar tax reduction
    Unlike deductions, credits reduce your actual tax bill — not just your taxable income. The savings are direct and substantial.
  • Available to businesses of all sizes
    From emerging startups to Fortune 500 corporations, any business investing in innovation is a potential candidate.
  • Retroactive claims allowed
    Amend prior returns for up to four previous years and receive actual refund checks for credits you may have missed.
  • Carry unused credits forward
    Any credit not used in the current year carries forward for up to 20 years — a powerful long-term tax planning tool.
26 U.S. Code §41
Research & Development Tax Credit
Provides companies with dollar-for-dollar savings for performing activities related to the development, design, or improvement of products, processes, formulas, or software. The credit enables businesses of all sizes to reduce their federal income tax.
Products Processes Formulas Software Design Prototypes Techniques
Why It Matters

Key Benefits of the R&D Credit

Properly claiming the R&D credit can meaningfully transform your company's tax position, cash flow, and long-term financial strategy.

20%
Credit on Qualified Expenses
Receive up to 20% of qualifying R&D expenses — including payroll costs and cost of goods — returned as a direct federal tax credit.
4 yrs
Retroactive Refund Window
Amend prior tax returns going back up to four years and receive actual refund checks for credits previously unclaimed.
20 yrs
Carryforward Period
Unused credits carry forward up to 20 years, providing sustained tax planning flexibility as your business scales.
$0
Risk-Free Initial Analysis
We perform a complimentary calculation that establishes a minimum credit expectation — before any engagement or commitment.
+CF
Improved Cash Flow
Reducing federal tax liability frees capital to reinvest in operations, headcount, and continued R&D initiatives.
All 50
States Covered
Our R&D services are available nationwide. Many states also offer supplemental R&D credits on top of the federal incentive.
Who Qualifies

Industries That Commonly Qualify

The R&D credit is far broader than most businesses realize. If your company develops, designs, or improves products or processes, you are likely a strong candidate.

Aerospace
Agriculture
Architecture
Automotive
Brewery & Distillery
Construction
Software Development
Engineering
Life Sciences
Chemicals & Formulation
Manufacturing
Food & Beverage
Pharmaceutical
Medical Devices
Foundry & Machining
Electronics
Textiles & Fabrication
Tool & Die Casting
Winery & Vineyards
Hemp & Supplements
The IRS Standard

The Four-Part Qualification Test

Every qualifying activity must satisfy all four criteria established by the IRS. Our team applies this test with precision and rigor across every engagement.

01
Permitted Purpose
The activity must relate to developing or improving the functionality, performance, reliability, or quality of a business component — product, process, software, technique, formula, or invention.
02
Technological in Nature
The activity must fundamentally rely on hard science — physical, biological, engineering, or computer science principles — rather than business or economic principles alone.
03
Elimination of Uncertainty
The activity must be intended to discover information that eliminates technical uncertainty about the capability or methodology for developing or improving a business component.
04
Process of Experimentation
The activity must involve a systematic process of evaluating alternatives — through modeling, simulation, testing, or structured trial and error — to achieve the desired technical result.
Strong Indicators

Do You Employ or Outsource These?

Businesses that employ or contract any of the following professionals or activities are strong candidates for the R&D credit.

Qualifying Roles & Professionals
  • Software Developers & Engineers
  • Product & Industrial Designers
  • Chemists & Formulators
  • Architects & Structural Engineers
  • Manufacturing & Process Engineers
  • Research Scientists & Lab Technicians
  • Quality Assurance & Testing Personnel
  • Tool & Die Specialists
  • Brewmasters & Distillers
Qualifying Activities
  • Developing or improving existing products
  • Creating or refining manufacturing processes
  • Writing and testing new software or algorithms
  • Formulating new chemical or food products
  • Designing prototypes and running validation tests
  • Evaluating technical alternatives and trade-offs
  • Developing new engineering or construction methods
  • Beta testing for software functionality
  • Experimentation with new materials or compounds
How It Works

Our Engagement Process

From first conversation to filed credit, we manage every phase with clarity, rigor, and full transparency.

1
Free Analysis
A no-cost review to estimate your potential credit before any commitment or engagement.
2
Document Collection
We gather 3 years of returns, W-2s, 1099s, and financial statements. We keep the process simple.
3
Site Review
Our team visits your facility to document qualifying activities and gather supporting detail.
4
Credit Calculation
We apply the four-part test rigorously and compute your maximum defensible credit amount.
5
Filing & Support
We file and stand behind our work — including 20 hrs of free audit consulting if needed.
Why Choose Us

The Finova Difference

We combine the depth of Big Four accounting expertise with the focus and responsiveness of a dedicated advisory firm.

Big Four Accounting Pedigree
Our Director of R&D Credit trained at a Big Four firm and has specialized exclusively in R&D credits for over a decade, backed by a full team of credentialed accountants.
Contingency Fee Structure
Our fees are directly linked to the credit you receive. If we don't identify meaningful savings, you pay nothing. Our success is aligned entirely with yours.
Audit Protection Included
We fully support every engagement. In the event of an audit related to our work, we provide 20 hours of complimentary consulting — at no additional cost to you.
Proven, Flawless Track Record
Over 2,000 clients served across small businesses, mid-market firms, and Fortune 500 enterprises — with a flawless record spanning nearly a decade of R&D credit engagements.
Get Started

Initial Document Checklist

To begin your complimentary analysis, gather the following. Our team will walk you through every additional step.

Last 3 Years of Tax Returns
Federal business tax returns for the three most recently filed years, including any amended returns previously filed.
W-2s and 1099s
Employee W-2 forms and contractor 1099s for the same three-year period. Excel format preferred where available.
Financial Statements
Income statements and balance sheets for each of the three prior fiscal years to establish qualified expense baselines.
Prior R&D Credit History
Details of any previously claimed R&D credits, plus information on whether the entity or related parties own real estate.
Take the First Step
Ready to Claim
What You've Earned?
Our free analysis gives you a clear, no-obligation picture of your potential R&D credit. No upfront cost. No commitment. Just results.
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