Has your business encountered and solved technological challenges in recent years? Maybe you invested in software development, re-engineered manufacturing processes, or performed laboratory testing. If so, then your business may be eligible for the federal research and development (R&D) tax credit. This credit may be available to U.S. business owners who spent money to develop new products or improve the performance, functionality, reliability, or quality of existing products or trade processes — whether the work was done by employees or a third-party contractor.

Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code lays out the rules and regulations surrounding the R&D tax credit. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 made the credit permanent and broadened its scope to include many small to midsize businesses.

What is the benefit of the R&D tax credit?

Generally, the R&D tax credit is a nonrefundable amount that taxpayers can subtract from their federal taxable income. Typically, 6% to 8% of a company’s annual qualifying research and development expenses may be applied against the company’s federal tax liability. If your available tax credit exceeds your tax liability, you can carry your credit forward for up to 20 years. Also, in some instances the R&D tax credit may be used to offset alternative minimum tax, while in other instances, a qualifying new business may be able to apply up to $250,000 of its R&D tax credit to its payroll tax liability.

What qualifies as research and development?

The credit is a percentage of qualified research expenses (QRE) above a base amount established by the IRS in a four-part test:

Elimination of uncertainty.

The purpose of the research must be intended to eliminate uncertainty relative to the development or improvement of a product or process.

Process of experimentation.

The research must include experimentation or systematic trial and error to overcome technical uncertainties.

Technological in nature.

The research must rely on “hard sciences” such as engineering, physics, and chemistry, or the life, biological, or computer sciences.

Qualified purpose.

The research or activity must be aimed at creating a new or improved product or process, resulting in increased functionality, quality, reliability, or performance of a business component.

A tax professional can help you determine if your business is eligible for this potentially lucrative tax benefit. If you do claim the tax credit, be prepared to document and support any qualifying R&D activities.