3.2 – IRC Section 174
In 1957, the IRS adopted § 1.174-2(a)(1), which defines the term research or experimental expenditures as expenditures
which represent research and development costs in the experimental or laboratory sense (22 FR 7901 (October 4, 1957)). It has evolved a bit since then. Here’s how IRC section 174 is currently organized:
IRC § 174(a) – Treatment as expenses
IRC § 174(b) – Amortization of certain research and experimental expenditures
IRC § 174(c) – Land and other property
IRC § 174(d) – Exploration expenditures
IRC § 174(e) – Only reasonable research expenditures eligible
IRC § 174(f) – Cross references




