Estimate your
R&D Tax credit
Use this calculator to roughly estimate the potential value of your company’s R&D tax credit.
Most businesses are surprised to learn that activities they consider “normal operations”—like improving products, developing software, solving engineering challenges, or refining processes—often qualify.
How does it work? Enter your estimated qualified research expenses below to see your potential federal R&D tax credit. Don’t worry about precision—this calculator provides a ballpark estimate to help you understand the potential opportunity:
Your Estimated Federal R&D Tax Credit:
$0
View important disclaimers at the bottom of this page.
What do the calculator results mean?
Based on your estimated qualified research expenses, your business may be eligible for approximately that much in federal R&D tax credits.
This is real value that can:
- Offset your federal income tax liability
- Be carried forward for up to 20 years
- Be applied against payroll taxes (for qualifying small businesses)
- Be claimed retroactively for open tax years
Important context:
- This does NOT include any potential state R&D credit benefit.
- This estimate assumes you meet the 4-part test for qualified research activities
- Actual credit amounts depend on detailed documentation and analysis
- Credits are calculated based on a percentage of qualified research expenses
What Qualifies as Research & Development for Tax Purposes?
The R&D tax credit (IRC Section 41) isn’t just for research labs and tech companies. If your business engages in activities to develop new or improve existing products, processes, software, formulas, or techniques—and those activities involve technical uncertainty and iterative problem solving—you likely qualify.
Don’t see your industry? Many “traditional” businesses qualify. Banks developing internal software, manufacturers improving production processes, and construction firms solving complex engineering challenges all commonly qualify.
- Manufacturing
- Software development & technology
- Engineering
- Food & beverage development
- Life sciences & pharmaceuticals
Ready to Explore Further?
This calculator provides a preliminary estimate, but determining your actual R&D tax credit requires:
✓ Detailed analysis of your specific activities against the 4-part test
✓ Comprehensive documentation of qualified expenses
✓ Technical interviews with key personnel
✓ Preparation for potential IRS review
Important Disclaimers:
This calculator provides estimates only and is not tax advice. The results generated by this calculator are rough estimates based on the information you provide and general R&D tax credit calculation methodologies.
This calculator:
- Does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice
- Cannot determine whether your specific activities qualify under IRC Section 41
- Does not account for state R&D tax credits (which may provide additional value)
- Assumes all entered expenses relate to qualified research activities
- Uses simplified calculation methods and may not reflect your optimal credit calculation approach
Actual R&D tax credit amounts depend on many factors, including:
- Whether your activities meet all four parts of the qualifying test
- Proper identification and documentation of qualified research expenses
- Your business’s gross receipts and prior-year R&D expenses
- The calculation method used (regular credit vs. alternative simplified credit)
- State-specific R&D credit programs and regulations
- Your overall tax situation and ability to utilize credits
No guarantee of results: This calculator does not guarantee that you will qualify for R&D tax credits or that you will receive the estimated amount. Only a comprehensive study conducted by qualified professionals can determine your actual credit eligibility and amount.
Confidentiality: Information entered into this calculator is not stored, transmitted, or reviewed by R&D Advantage unless requested. This is a client-side calculation tool for your private use only.