Many business owners think only large companies conducting groundbreaking research can claim the federal R&D tax credit, or that it’s simply too difficult to qualify.
Wrong!
The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 made it easier for businesses to benefit from the R&D Tax Credit.
Now, new changes to valuable credit are making it easier than ever for startups as well as small and medium-sized companies to benefit.
What has changed?
After 35 years as a temporary provision of the tax code, the federal research credit — better known as the R&D tax credit — was made permanent by The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015(PATH Act) in December 2015. Along with this change, the PATH Act includes two new provisions that make it easier for businesses to benefit from the R&D tax credit.
The credit is available to companies developing or improving products, processes, or software in various industries related to hard sciences (chemistry, physics, biology, etc.), engineering, or computer science. To learn more about the types of activities that can qualify, read this R&D tax credit FAQ.
How do the new changes benefit startups?
The first new R&D tax provision will have a huge impact on startups. Previously, early-stage companies that were not generating enough income to have a federal income tax liability could only carry forward the credit for use in future years. Starting this year, eligible startups with less than $5 million in gross receipts can apply up to $250,000 of their R&D tax credit against their payroll taxes.
So now, even if you don’t have a federal tax liability, the credit can generate immediate value for your business.
How do the changes benefit small and medium-sized businesses?
The second provision is great news for shareholders of qualifying pass-through entities, such as S corporations, that have an Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) liability. Removing a barrier that had prevented many small and medium-sized businesses from obtaining the credit in the past, this change allows eligible businesses with $50 million and less in gross receipts (based on a three-year average) to apply for the R&D tax credit against the AMT liability.
Are there any obstacles to claiming the R&D tax credit?
Companies looking to claim the credit will need to implement a documentation process and appropriate tracking mechanisms for their research and development activities. Even with the recent law changes, the R&D credit remains one of the most challenging provisions of the tax code. Businesses should consider engaging a tax professional with R&D tax credit expertise, to help them qualify for and claim this lucrative credit.
Article Source: American City Business Journals
