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Business Tax

R&D Tax Credits

Turn innovation into profit. Partner with Aprio to maximize potential R&D tax credits that boost profitability and improve your bottom line. 

New product development.
Improved processes.
Innovative techniques.

Account for anything—and realize substantial savings—with Aprio

Every year, companies save significant money by claiming Research & Development (R&D) tax credits—and with Aprio, you can too. If your business works to develop or improve products, processes, software, or techniques, we can help you leverage the valuable R&D tax credit to reduce your tax liabilities and provide you with a ready source of cash.

Calculating hundreds of R&D tax credits every year means that we’re experienced with even the most uncommon fact patterns. Aprio’s tax credit consultants will work with you to assess your eligibility and calculate a credit claim backed by thorough, well-researched documentation. And, in the event of an audit, our team has a proven track record of successfully helping clients compile, review, and present the required evidence to the IRS.

Our Focus Areas

Aprio helps hundreds of innovative and leading companies claim the lucrative Research & Development tax credit with:

  • Eligibility & Utilization Analysis

    Aprio will conduct a complimentary assessment of your needs and verify that you qualify for R&D tax credit benefits.

  • Scalable Credit Calculation Study

    We’ll leverage our technical knowledge to prepare a credit calculation that increases your benefit, as well as provide supporting documentation to substantiate the credit claim.

  • Tailored Qualitative Documentation

    Our team can compile key findings into a tailored executive report that can also serve as audit support in the event of a review. We have a proven track record of not only maximizing R&D credits, but successfully defending clients’ R&D credits to the IRS. 

A person in an apron holds a glass of red wine on a table, with two empty glasses, a wine bottle, a cork, and a corkscrew nearby.

Innovation in Every Bottle: R&D Tax Opportunities for Winemakers

  • September 25, 2025
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Proven Results

Companies rely on Aprio to help them maximize the benefits of federal and state R&D tax credits

$1.9B In federal and state credits that Aprio has helped clients claim
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See how Aprio helped a P.E.-backed software company claim $1.5M in R&D Tax Credits

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Your R&D Tax Credit Specialists

Working exclusively on R&D Tax Credit studies 

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R&D Tax Credit Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the R&D tax credit?

The Research & Development (R&D) tax credit (Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code) is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal income or payroll tax for companies that are conducting qualified research in the U.S.

Who qualifies for the R&D tax credit?

Any U.S. business (regardless of size or industry) that incurs expenses related to developing or improving products, processes, software, or technology may qualify. You don’t have to be a tech or biotech company — manufacturers, architects, engineers, and even food companies can qualify, too.

Can I claim the R&D tax credit on an amended return?

Yes, but there are additional documentation requirements when doing so, and it may take more time to receive your credit.

Will Aprio work with my current tax team?

Of course! Aprio partners with tax teams and other CPA firms all the time, and we’ll work closely with your team to determine if these credits are a good fit for your company. Aprio’s proven methodology leverages our experience in the credit calculation and the reporting of substantive documentation to increase the credit benefit to you.

Are there state R&D tax credits?

Yes. Over 35 states offer their own version of the R&D credit, which may follow federal rules or have unique guidelines. California, for example, has its own credit with separate calculations.

Is employee time covered by R&D tax credits?

If your team uses an iterative process based on hard sciences such as engineering or computer sciences, your employees’ time qualifies. The time of staff performing direct research & development activities, including direct technical supervision and support, qualifies for the credit.

What else is covered by R&D tax credits?

Any consumable materials used in the process can also be applied to the R&D tax credit. This means that many of the everyday activities and expenses that your business engages in may qualify you for this valuable tax credit. The money you save can be reinvested to develop new products, offset operating costs, or hire strategic talent.

Leverage tax credits that deliver real value.

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