How Our R&D Credit Process Works
Claiming the R&D tax credit correctly requires a CPA-led, evidence-based approach — not a credit mill or a one-size-fits-all questionnaire.
Our process is built to be conservative, defensible, and transparent, with clear steps from screening through substantiation.
Your R&D Credit Journey
A clear, step-by-step process from initial screening to IRS-defensible credit calculation
Initial Screening
5-Minute Quick Assessment
Chat or standard form to determine basic eligibility
Paid R&D Assessment
Comprehensive CPA-Led Evaluation
Detailed project review, CPA consultation, written assessment with preliminary credit estimate
Fee credited toward Full Study
Full CPA Substantiation
Complete R&D Credit Calculation
IRS-defensible documentation, Form 6765 preparation, and filing support
Initial Screening
5-Minute Quick Assessment
Chat or standard form to determine basic eligibility
Paid R&D Assessment
Comprehensive CPA-Led Evaluation
Detailed project review, CPA consultation, written assessment with preliminary credit estimate
Fee credited toward Full Study
Full CPA Substantiation
Complete R&D Credit Calculation
IRS-defensible documentation, Form 6765 preparation, and filing support
Ready to Get Started?
Begin with our free 5-minute screening to see if your business may qualify for R&D tax credits
Start Free ScreeningDetailed Workflow Breakdown
This is the free, 5-minute screening you can complete using either our chat interface (iMessage-style) or standard form. This preliminary assessment evaluates your business profile and general activities to determine if a deeper review is warranted.
What This Includes:
- Basic business information and operating history
- High-level activity assessment
- Preliminary eligibility determination
✓ No cost, no obligation — just a quick assessment to see if you should proceed to the next step.
If your business passes the initial screening, we conduct a comprehensive Deep Dive Survey tailored specifically to your business or industry. This step uncovers qualifying activities that are often overlooked, such as process improvements and operational experimentation.
Purpose:
To identify potential qualifying projects and evaluate whether your business should proceed to a formal project and process study.
✓ This Deep Dive Survey is provided at no charge.
If you qualify after our deep dive survey that is tailored specifically to your business or industry, you will be recommended to our project and process study that will define all qualifying projects, identify relevant documentation, and provide a preliminary credit estimate.
After qualifying from the Deep Dive Survey, we work with you to define all qualifying projects, identify relevant documentation, and provide a preliminary credit estimate to help you decide whether to proceed with a full CPA-led substantiation study.
What This Includes:
- Comprehensive project definition and documentation
- Documentation review and gap analysis
- Preliminary credit estimate
- Assessment of whether full CPA study makes financial sense
Professional Fee:
Typical Range: $1,500 – $3,500
(Based on business complexity, number of activities, and documentation review requirements)
✓ This fee is credited toward a full engagement if you proceed to Workflow C.
This is where a potential credit is converted into a fully substantiated, IRS-defensible R&D study. Our CPAs prepare a complete documentation package that can withstand IRS scrutiny.
Our CPAs:
- Verify source documents and payroll records
- Define and document qualifying projects with technical narratives
- Allocate qualified wages and supply expenses
- Coordinate with other credits (WOTC, 45L, etc.) when applicable
- Calculate the credit using conservative, defensible methodology
- Prepare Form 6765 and supporting schedules
Professional Fees:
Fees are based on business complexity, number of qualifying projects, years involved, and documentation requirements.
Typical Range: $8,000 – $25,000+
You receive a clear, fixed quote before any work begins.
✓ We stand behind our work and provide audit defense support if the IRS questions your credit.
A Professional, Defensible Approach
We focus on accuracy, documentation, and long-term client protection — not aggressive assumptions or inflated claims.