R&D Tax Credit Estimator

Screen your federal research credit with the alternative simplified method and check payroll tax offset eligibility.

W-2 wages of people doing or directly supervising technical work

Share of their time spent on qualifying projects 50%Supplies consumed in research

U.S. contract research paid to outside firms

Average qualified research expenses, prior 3 years

We had no qualified research expenses in at least one of the prior three yearsGross receipts under $5 million this year and none more than five years ago

Estimated federal R&D credit (alternative simplified method)$34,300

Estimated qualified research expenses: $320,000
Calculation used: 14% above 50% of prior average
Payroll tax offset: Not indicated

Estimate only. A CPA will confirm what applies to you.

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Work that often qualifies

Building new software features, platforms, or integrations
Designing and testing prototypes or new products
Improving manufacturing processes, tooling, or yield
Developing new formulas, recipes, or materials
Engineering custom solutions for a client project
Testing alternatives to solve a technical problem

Turn an estimate into a plan

This calculator uses simplified 2026 federal rules to show whether an idea is worth a conversation. A CPA can confirm the numbers with your actual returns, check eligibility and deadlines, and put the plan in place.

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Educational estimate, not tax advice.