Employee Compensation
The R&D tax credit takes into account three categories of employees who contribute to research efforts for R&D tax credit purposes:
- Direct research employees - This includes individuals who are directly involved in performing research-related activities, such as scientists, scholars, technologists, designers, project managers, and other relevant personnel.
- Direct research supervisors - This includes individuals who directly oversee the employees engaged in the primary research activities.
- Direct research supporters - This encompasses individuals who provide direct support to research efforts. For instance, a laboratory technician who assists in setting up experiments and collecting data is a direct research supporter.
Materials Expenses
The R&D tax credit allows for the inclusion of costs associated with prototyping and testing materials, such as those used in prototype builds or new formulations of beauty products. These costs are considered research expenses and can be included as part of the credit. Additionally, costs such as those associated with materials used in the evaluation of new formulations, can also be included.
Computer Equipment
It is becoming increasingly common for software development companies to claim expenditures for computer rentals or lease costs, particularly for running complex techniques pertaining to research activities.
Outsourced Services/Contractor Expenses
It refers to expenses incurred by a business for hiring third-party contractors or consultants to perform research activities that qualify for the R&D tax credit. It's important to note that only a portion of contractor costs can be claimed as an R&D tax credit. The exact percentage that can be claimed depends on several factors, such as the type of activity performed by the contractor and the specific terms of the contract. However, in general, businesses can claim up to 65% of the qualified contractor costs for research activities as an R&D tax credit.
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