By: Monika Diehl, VP of Operations

Is It Too Late to Claim the R&D Credit?

R&D Tax Credits | October 15, 2020 | 1 min read
Is it too late to claim R&D tax credit

This year’s tax deadlines have come and gone.

You and your team have been busy innovating, making it easy to overlook claiming your R&D tax credit. Either due to lack of awareness, uncertainty over eligibility, or being dumbfounded by the cost of submitting your claim, you’re now worried about losing thousands of dollars that are rightfully yours.

Don’t despair; your opportunity to take advantage of this benefit has not disappeared. Claims can still be filed via an amended return.

When to claim and amend

Standard procedure for claiming an R&D tax credit is to complete the required documentation and submit form 6765 alongside your company’s original filing. It’s not uncommon for companies to either forget – or simply be unaware of – the need to include this form.

Generally, you have at least three years from the date you file your tax return (or from the statutory due date if the return is filed early) to amend your return to correct any errors or include any missing items. Additionally, this three year period can be further extended if you incur net operating losses, make subsequent tax payments, or voluntarily extend the time to assess deficiencies.

Strategically, innovative companies that claim the credit every year will realize the highest return on their investment. Even if unutilized in a given tax year, credits can be carried forward up to 20 years, and, in some cases, recorded as deferred tax assets on your balance sheet.



It’s (almost) never too late to claim

Although it’s too late to claim your 2019 research credit as a payroll tax offset, companies can amend their return to monetize it as an income tax credit – and can even consider performing a ‘look back’ to capture up to three years of unclaimed tax credits.

To find out more about R&D tax credits, or to discuss whether your business qualifies, schedule a free consultation with Clarus R+D. Our technology-driven solution empowers companies to fuel their growth with America’s largest tax incentive.

Share

ABOUT CLARUS R+DWith custom software backed by a team of tax experts, Clarus R+D specializes in tax credits for growth businesses. Our technology-driven solution simplifies the process, maximizes benefit, and ensures compliance. We partner with accounting firms, financial advisors, investors, payroll providers, and more.

Back to News

By: Brent Johnson, Co-Founder & CEO

ERTC and the R&D Tax Credit

ERTC | September 15, 2020 | 1 min read

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a challenging economic environment for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Now more than ever, these businesses are seeking out resources and advice as to how to move forward and put themselves in the best position for the future. One way companies can put money back into their pockets is through federal and state tax credits, including the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC).

The House and Senate are considering new legislation that would remove certain restrictions to claiming the ERTC, maximizing the benefits of the program for small businesses. If approved, employers could claim the ERTC in addition to the R&D tax credit.

What is the ERTC?

In March of 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. One part of the CARES Act was the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), a payroll credit of up to $5,000 per employee, aiming to relieve some of the financial stress that many businesses are facing due to the coronavirus. The main purpose of the ETRC is to incentivize businesses to maintain their payroll, even if they have been negatively affected by COVID-19.

Possible Changes

Initially, there were limitations that prevented employers from claiming the ERTC if they received a PPP loan, which is also part of the CARES Act. Currently, the House and Senate are considering new legislation that would remove certain restrictions to claiming the ERTC, maximizing the benefits of the program for small businesses. If approved, employers could claim the ERTC in addition to the R&D tax credit.

The details and structure of the legislation are still being decided by the House and Senate. However, the government is attempting to use these tax incentives to pump money into the US economy, which could have a significant financial impact on small businesses.

  • In addition to claiming the R&D tax credit, businesses can take advantage of the ERTC program — essentially stacking the credits on top of each other.
  • The House and Senate are considering the expansion of eligibility to qualify a greater number of businesses.
  • Congress has proposed increasing the size of ERTC credits for eligible businesses.

Since the ERTC is fully refundable, you can use the R&D tax credit against your FICA tax obligation first, then claim the ERTC, maximizing your tax benefits.

It’s important to note that the R&D tax credit and ERTC are both credits against your payroll tax. And since the ERTC is fully refundable, you can use the R&D tax credit against your FICA tax obligation first, then claim the ERTC, maximizing your tax benefits.

To maximize cash savings, companies should consider combining R&D tax credits and ERTC as a part of their payroll relief options with COVID-19 aid packages. Clarus R+D can help you navigate recent legislation to ensure you capture all available cash savings opportunities.

Learn more

Share

ABOUT CLARUS R+DWith custom software backed by a team of tax experts, Clarus R+D specializes in tax credits for growth businesses. Our technology-driven solution simplifies the process, maximizes benefit, and ensures compliance. We partner with accounting firms, financial advisors, investors, payroll providers, and more.

Back to News

By: Adam Winter, CTO

Podcast: The Fourth Act

Clarus R+D | September 9, 2020 | 1 min read

Speaking with Sadeq Ali, co-founder of Archimydes and The Fourth Act podcast, I share how Clarus R+D helps businesses easily obtain R&D tax credits for any software development or product development work done in the US.

The Fourth Act is focused on the intersection of the future of work, innovation, and software development.

Listen to podcast

Share

ABOUT CLARUS R+DWith custom software backed by a team of tax experts, Clarus R+D specializes in tax credits for growth businesses. Our technology-driven solution simplifies the process, maximizes benefit, and ensures compliance. We partner with accounting firms, financial advisors, investors, payroll providers, and more.

Back to News

By: Monika Diehl, VP of Operations

Understanding the R&D Tax Credit Four-Part Test

R&D Tax Credits | June 15, 2020 | 1 min read
Understanding the R&D Tax Credit Four-Part Test

The R&D tax credit incentivizes certain research activities by reducing a company’s liabilities for spending money on that research. Expenses that qualify are more comprehensive than you may think. Qualified research expenses (QREs) can include the salaries of employees and supervisors who are conducting research, supplies, and even some contractors. Congress created the “Four-Part Test” that determines eligibility for the credit.

  • Qualified Purpose
  • Technological in Nature
  • Elimination of Uncertainty
  • Process of Experimentation

Expenses that qualify for the R&D tax credit are more comprehensive than you may think.

Are you developing or improving a product, process, formula, or software?

To pass this requirement, the activity must create or improve a product, process, formula, or software with respect to its functionality, performance, reliability, or quality. You must intend to use it in your business or retain intellectual ownership. Even if the activity was not successful, you may still qualify for the R&D tax credit.

Is your innovation technological in nature?

If your innovation relies on hard sciences such as physical sciences, biological sciences, computer science, or engineering, then you can answer yes to this question.

These sciences cross many industries. Certainly, biological science is used in life sciences – like pharmaceutical and medical device companies. However, it could also be used in food science and bio-flavoring. Engineering could apply to toy companies that engineer products to work properly or design circuit boards for robotic toys. Computer science is not limited to Silicon Valley tech companies. It can also apply to almost any hardware or software solution in any industry.

Have you eliminated uncertainty in the development of your component?

You must demonstrate that you’ve attempted to eliminate uncertainty. Your innovation must go beyond cosmetic design and seek to improve functionality by gaining information and reducing ambiguity associated with its development.

Did you experiment or test alternatives?

You must be able to show that you have explored alternatives to achieve proof of concept. Through modeling, simulation, systematic trial and error, or other methods, you must have evaluated alternatives for achieving the desired result.

Exclusions

Even if your work passes the four-part test, there are a few exclusions to the R&D tax credit. Expenses incurred under the exclusions will not qualify for the incentive. Some of these already appear in the four-part test, including the need to rely on hard sciences.

The activity must take place in the U.S. and cannot include routine data collection or market research. Also, activities cannot receive funding from an unrelated third party because your company might not retain ownership of the resulting intellectual property.

If you think your work qualifies for the R&D tax credit, our team of experts is here to help.

Learn more

Share

ABOUT CLARUS R+DWith custom software backed by a team of tax experts, Clarus R+D specializes in tax credits for growth businesses. Our technology-driven solution simplifies the process, maximizes benefit, and ensures compliance. We partner with accounting firms, financial advisors, investors, payroll providers, and more.

Back to News

By: Brent Johnson, Co-Founder & CEO

CARES Act: Payroll Tax Deferral and the R&D Tax Credit

R&D Tax Credits | May 29, 2020 | 1 min read

Payroll tax deferral

The CARES Act was crafted to provide liquidity for businesses suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. One provision postpones the employer portion of certain payroll taxes imposed in 2020. These will then be paid back in two installments:

  • 50% due on December 31, 2021
  • 50% due on December 31, 2022

R&D tax credit

For companies that opt to defer payroll taxes, R&D payroll tax incentives add value since excess credit amounts can reduce future obligations. Companies with SBA loans that are not eligible for COVID-19 payroll tax relief can still use R&D credits to offset FICA. Businesses that will soon age out of R&D payroll tax credits may opt to use them now and forgo the CARES Act deferral entirely.

R&D payroll tax incentives add value to maximize cash savings.

To maximize cash savings, companies should consider R&D tax credits as a part of their payroll relief options with COVID-19 aid packages. Certain eligibility requirements must be met to take advantage of the payroll tax incentive. Clarus R+D can help you navigate recent legislation to ensure you capture all available cash savings opportunities.

Share

ABOUT CLARUS R+DWith custom software backed by a team of tax experts, Clarus R+D specializes in tax credits for growth businesses. Our technology-driven solution simplifies the process, maximizes benefit, and ensures compliance. We partner with accounting firms, financial advisors, investors, payroll providers, and more.

Back to News

By: Jeff Haskett, Co-Founder & President

Clarus R+D Announces Integration with Gusto

Clarus R+D | May 27, 2020 | 1 min read

Clarus R+D announces its platform integration with Gusto, a payroll company based out of San Francisco and Denver. By partnering with Gusto, Clarus provides a full-service solution that optimizes R&D studies. Together, Clarus R+D and Gusto are committed to helping entrepreneurs and accountants every step of the way.

Get started with Gusto payroll

With the secure import of payroll data, this new integration makes it easy for mutual customers to quickly calculate and document the R&D tax credit. Customers also receive free real-time processing, which means R&D tax credits are applied with every payroll run instead of quarterly against overpaid taxes. Companies monetize R&D tax credits up to four months faster with real-time processing.

Free real-time processing is huge. it means faster monetization of R&D tax credits for our customers.

About Gusto, a Clarus R+D preferred partner

More than 100,000 small businesses and 3,000 accountants nationwide choose Gusto because it’s refreshingly easy to use, has friendly, expert customer service, and is loved by both employers and employees. In fact, 9 out of 10 customers say Gusto is easier than other payroll providers.

  • 85% of customers say Gusto is easier to use than their previous payroll provider.
  • 3 out of 4 customers say Gusto makes compliance easier.
  • You can manage your payroll, benefits, 401(k), workers’ comp, and HR all in one place – and keep them all in sync.
  • Gusto integrates with accounting, time-tracking, and expense software to keep your business in sync.

 

Share

ABOUT CLARUS R+DWith custom software backed by a team of tax experts, Clarus R+D specializes in tax credits for growth businesses. Our technology-driven solution simplifies the process, maximizes benefit, and ensures compliance. We partner with accounting firms, financial advisors, investors, payroll providers, and more.

Back to News

By: Monika Diehl, VP of Operations

Newly Funded? How to Plan for R&D Tax Credits

R&D Tax Credits | May 18, 2020 | 1 min read
Too late to claim R&D tax credit

As you invest in research and development this year, you can take steps now that will simplify the process of conducting your R&D study in 2021. Recent legislation changes have significantly impacted entrepreneurs. To optimize filing strategies, pay careful attention to all of your tax actions.

1. Identify Activities that Qualify for the R&D Tax Credit

If you do anything technology-based, improve it, and sell it, you probably qualify for both federal and state R&D tax credit. Many companies perform activities that qualify for the R&D tax credit without even knowing it. Examples of qualifying activities include:

  • Designing, developing, or improving new products, processes, formulas or software or improving current ones
  • Experimenting with code for new or improved software products
  • Engineering to evaluate specifications for performance, reliability, quality, features, and durability
  • Developing new production processes, including agile
  • Improving a product’s time-to-market through more efficient designs
  • Paying outside consultants or contractors for any of the above activities
  • Incurring expenses for wages or supplies related to the above activities

2. Gather Documentation to Support R&D Tax Credit Claims

Step one in optimizing R&D tax credits is to Identify eligible activities. Step two is to show documented proof of all qualifying activities. You are able to estimate some qualifying expenditures. However, you must base this estimate on facts. Examples of documentation to include:

  • Eligible employee wages
  • Payroll registers
  • Time tracking data
  • Job descriptions
  • Meeting minutes
  • Ledgers outlining general expenses
  • Relevant project lists and notes

Our team of R&D tax credit specialists is here to help. We partner with business owners across various industries to assist with R&D tax planning to help you optimize the benefit for your organization. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our tax experts.

Share

ABOUT CLARUS R+DWith custom software backed by a team of tax experts, Clarus R+D specializes in tax credits for growth businesses. Our technology-driven solution simplifies the process, maximizes benefit, and ensures compliance. We partner with accounting firms, financial advisors, investors, payroll providers, and more.

Back to News

By: Brent Johnson

R&D Documentation Done Right

R&D Tax Credits | March 23, 2020 | 3 min read
Deadline R&D tax credit

Companies across many industries qualify for the research and development (R&D) tax credit. However, claiming the R&D tax credit requires backing up your eligibility with the right documentation. Companies often misunderstand what constitutes required documentation for the R&D tax credit. A simple general ledger line item that says “research expenses” will not do.

Documentation Don’ts

In April 2019, the Siemer Milling Company lost a federal case against the IRS in defending its R&D tax credit. Lack of documentation was a large part of the reason for the court disallowing over $235,000 in R&D tax credits claimed by Siemer Milling. The court ruled Siemer Milling failed to retain and provide supporting documentation demonstrating how the company’s activities met the four-part test necessary to constitute qualified research. The company stated it was involved in new product development. However, merely reciting the steps taken was not enough to show they had a methodical plan involving a series of trials to test a hypothesis for developing new products. They offered no documentation to demonstrate how the activities showed experimentation in the scientific sense.

when claiming the R&D tax credit, you have a responsibility to make sure it’s defensible by adhering to IRS guidelines.

The rules outlining the documentation requirement are outlined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.41-4. The IRS publishes an audit technique guide that provides insight as to how they interpret and administer those rules. Highlights include:

  • Documentation should be specific to the taxpayer
  • Submission of documentation should not be prepackaged with a significant amount of generic text that any taxpayer may use
  • Wherever possible, activities should be documented contemporaneously
  • Documentation should include project descriptions that address each section of the four-part test

Documentation Do’s

Many companies claiming the R&D tax credit treat formal documentation as an afterthought. Documenting activities retroactively is risky when claiming the R&D tax credit. Don’t wait to gather what you need to demonstrate eligibility and compliance. A contemporaneous, comprehensive documentation process is the best way to maintain IRS compliance.

Documentation should be arranged and organized in advance, including any applicable contracts, and taxpayer and employee testimony. The focus should be on the quality of information rather than on the volume.

Instead of centering solely on technology or research, documentation should be described and presented by applying the research tax credit rules. You should organize Information by project and on an employee-by-employee basis. Time spent performing qualified and nonqualified activities should also be well-documented.

detailed and clearly written reports are your best defense during an audit.

Your documentation must prove that your company:

  • qualifies for the R&D tax credit
  • has conducted the activities for which you are claiming the R&D tax credit
  • meets nexus requirements

A list of qualified research activities isn’t helpful if the costs cannot be traced to specific projects or activities. Nexus is established if your accounting records connect to your qualified research expenses at the business component level. Also, under what’s called the “Consistency Rule,” you must define your expenses in the same manner from year to year.

Detailed and clearly written reports are your best defense during an audit. If the IRS can’t easily understand the information you’ve submitted about your activities and expenses, the lack of clarity and documentation can impact your final R&D tax benefit. Submitting concise, relevant, and accurate information can play a crucial role in mitigating corporate risk while maximizing access to the benefits your company can claim.

If the IRS disallows your claimed credit, taxes in the year the credit was claimed as well as additional tax years are impacted. This may result in the need to refile prior returns and additional taxes owed. If your R&D tax claim is unsupported, you may be subject to penalties. You should carefully review any reports or studies prepared by your tax preparer to ensure the documentation accurately reflect your activities. Tax preparers who are involved in the preparation of improper claims or R&D tax credit studies also may be subject to penalties.

Key Takeaways

The best way to reduce business risk when claiming the R&D tax credit is to partner with experienced R&D tax professionals to oversee your calculation and documentation process. R&D tax specialists will work through your projects to determine all qualifying expenses. In the event you are audited and asked to produce documentation, they will submit all necessary reports to the IRS, answer any questions, and keep your business interests protected.

For companies already claiming the R&D tax credit and those that are just beginning to determine their eligibility, it is critical to be thorough when documenting qualified research activities. To reduce your tax burden when claiming the R&D tax credit, you have a responsibility to make sure it’s defensible by adhering to IRS guidelines and properly tracking expenses. That’s where Clarus R+D comes in. We help you claim R&D tax credits without stress or confusion.

Share

ABOUT CLARUS R+DWith custom software backed by a team of tax experts, Clarus R+D specializes in tax credits for growth businesses. Our technology-driven solution simplifies the process, maximizes benefit, and ensures compliance. We partner with accounting firms, financial advisors, investors, payroll providers, and more.

Back to News

By: Jeff Haskett, Co-Founder & President

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Tax Relief

R&D Tax Credits | March 20, 2020 | 1 min read

With so much news hitting everyone’s inboxes, I want to focus on moving forward and helping. Let’s filter out the noise and breathe. Here’s a list of three things that can help you and your business right now.

IRS extends and gives us some breathing room.

We caught a break when the tax filing date was extended to July 15. With our attention elsewhere, the IRS has extended the tax filing date to allow “all taxpayers and businesses [to] have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties,” according to a tweet from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

File early to monetize faster.

Even with the extension, taxpayers are encouraged to file now to get money back sooner. And at a time when businesses are looking for liquidity to continue innovating, this is particularly important to our customers.

Gusto shares financial resources for small businesses.

In addition to the R&D tax credit, our partner Gusto has compiled a comprehensive list of public and private loans, grants, and financial support programs aimed at small businesses. Gusto will update this spreadsheet regularly with financial resources for small businesses. Check back for the most current information, and share it with a business owner who may benefit from the support.

Our team of R&D tax credit specialists is here to help you understand how the current events affect your R&D tax credit. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Share

ABOUT CLARUS R+DWith custom software backed by a team of tax experts, Clarus R+D specializes in tax credits for growth businesses. Our technology-driven solution simplifies the process, maximizes benefit, and ensures compliance. We partner with accounting firms, financial advisors, investors, payroll providers, and more.

Back to News

By: Brent Johnson, Co-Founder & CEO

Will the Proposed Payroll Tax Cut Affect my R&D Credit?

R&D Tax Credits | March 11, 2020 | 1 min read

As the coronavirus wreaks havoc on the global economy, President Trump has proposed to cut the payroll tax for employees to zero for the rest of 2020. Money taken in from payroll taxes goes to Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment insurance. Salaried workers pay 6.2% of their gross annual income up to $137,700 for Social Security. Employers also pay a 6.2% tax.

The proposed payroll tax cut does not affect employers or their R&D tax credit. At this point, the proposed payroll tax cut is for employees only and is meant to incentivize individuals to buy goods and services amidst an economic downturn. President Trump believes the spread of COVID-19 could cripple economic growth by decreasing consumer spending and ultimately hurting businesses.

The proposed payroll tax cut does not affect employers or their R&D tax credit.

It is important to note the proposed payroll tax cut is just that – a proposal sparking conversation on how to halt further economic downturn due to the COVID-19 outbreak. President Trump’s proposal also includes allowing Americans to delay filing their tax returns in April, reimbursing people or companies for sick leave, and providing aid to the travel industry. There have not been any specifics on how this would be implemented.

One thing is for certain, there is significant interest in a bipartisan proposal. Both Republicans and Democrats want to see something done quickly that will benefit the US economy.

Our team of R&D tax credit specialists is here to help you understand how the current events affect your R&D tax credit. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our tax experts.

Share

ABOUT CLARUS R+DWith custom software backed by a team of tax experts, Clarus R+D specializes in tax credits for growth businesses. Our technology-driven solution simplifies the process, maximizes benefit, and ensures compliance. We partner with accounting firms, financial advisors, investors, payroll providers, and more.

Back to News