Claiming the R&D tax credit does not automatically trigger an audit. But R&D tax credit audit triggers are real, and certain red flags increase the chances significantly. Indago has been building audit-ready R&D claims for over 30 years. We know what the IRS looks for—and how to structure claims that…
Small businesses leave thousands on the table every year. Not because they don’t qualify for the R&D tax credit, but because they believe myths that are simply not true. Here are the most common R&D tax credit myths that cost small businesses money. Myth 1: Only Tech Companies Qualify The…
Small businesses leave money on the table every year. Not because they don’t need it, but because they don’t know which tax credits exist. Here is a complete list of small business tax credits available for 2026. 1. R&D Tax Credit What it does: Offsets income tax liability for qualified research…
The federal R&D credit is valuable, but state R&D credits can add another 3% to 15% on top — sometimes in cash. Here is where state R&D credits are most valuable right now. Texas: New Leader in 2026 Texas overhauled its R&D credit effective January 1, 2026. New rates: Standard…
Claiming R&D credits for startups can offset up to $500,000 per year against employer FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) rather than income tax. That is real cash back, not a deferred tax asset. This can add significant runway to any innovation-focused startup. R&D Credits for Startups: Who Qualifies as…
The R&D tax credit is one of the most valuable tax incentives for innovative businesses, but claiming it requires more than just filling out a form. The U.S. Tax Court reinforced that R&D tax credit claims require contemporaneous documentation, records created at the time the research was performed, not reconstructed studies…
The Texas Film Credit (TMIIIP) offers a base rebate of 5% to 25% on qualified in-state spending. But TMIIIP bonus uplifts are what get you to 31%. Here’s how to stack them. Bonus 1: Texas Post-Production Requirement: At least 25% of your post-production spend happens in Texas. What counts: Editing, sound design, VFX, color…
When most people hear “R&D tax credit” they think of software engineers and tech startups, but that’s not the full picture. The R&D tax credit is available to any company that develops new or improved products, processes, or formulas. That includes industries you might not expect. Here are 5 industries…
The Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) offers cash rebates from 5% to 25% on qualified in-state spending—plus bonus uplifts that push your total savings to 31%. Texas just committed $1.5 billion over the next ten years to bring your story to the screen. Here’s exactly how it works, who qualifies,…
Big News for Innovative Businesses If your business has been waiting on R&D tax credit retroactive claims due to recent amortization rules, we have excellent news: The Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is back, and stronger than ever. In what may be the most significant tax opportunity for innovative…