Advertiser Disclosure

💳 Save money on credit card processing with one of our top 5 picks for 2024

Best R&D Tax Credit Software & Tax Services

Need a great software to help you file the research and development tax credit? Check out our top five R&D service options for small businesses.

    Erica Seppala
  • Last updated onUpdated

  • Chelsea Krause
  • REVIEWED BY

    Chelsea Krause

    Lead Staff Writer

Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity.

The research and development tax credit offers money-saving benefits for businesses, but claiming this general business credit can be tricky. To take the guesswork out of claiming this credit, many business owners turn to R&D tax credit software and tax services.

In this post, we’re going to look at the best tools to help you claim the R&D tax credit. We’ll look at software, proprietary systems, and services that provide you with access to financial experts. These options help streamline the process, from helping you identify expenses and determining if you qualify for the R&D credit, to calculating your R&D tax credit, to prepping tax paperwork and filing your forms and documentation.

Keep reading to learn more about the best R&D tax services and software.

Learn More About Our Top Picks

CompanyBest ForNext StepsBest For
Omega Accounting Solutions

Read More

  • Best for maximizing R&D credits
  • Contact Omega Accounting for pricing
  • Helps implement procedural changes to maximize tax credits now and in the future
  • Best for maximizing R&D credits
  • Contact Omega Accounting for pricing
  • Helps implement procedural changes to maximize tax credits now and in the future

Visit Site

Read More

ADP Payroll

Read More

  • Best for integrating with HCMs
  • Contact ADP for pricing
  • An HCM compliance solution that integrates with your existing systems to help maximize tax benefits
  • Best for integrating with HCMs
  • Contact ADP for pricing
  • An HCM compliance solution that integrates with your existing systems to help maximize tax benefits

Get A Quote

Read More

Gusto

Read More

  • Best for Gusto payroll & HR users
  • 15% of identified tax credits
  • Combines proprietary tax credit software with the knowledge & experience of CPAs
  • Best for Gusto payroll & HR users
  • 15% of identified tax credits
  • Combines proprietary tax credit software with the knowledge & experience of CPAs

Start Trial

Read More

Pilot

Read More

  • Best budget-friendly R&D tax credit software
  • 2% of total qualifying expenses
  • Makes it easy to file R&D claims without monthly subscription requirements
  • Best budget-friendly R&D tax credit software
  • 2% of total qualifying expenses
  • Makes it easy to file R&D claims without monthly subscription requirements

Visit Site

Read More

Aprio

Read More

  • Best for claiming R&D and other business tax credits
  • Contact Aprio for pricing
  • Helps businesses identify and claim R&D and other business tax credits, including ERC
  • Best for claiming R&D and other business tax credits
  • Contact Aprio for pricing
  • Helps businesses identify and claim R&D and other business tax credits, including ERC

Visit Site

Read More

Show More Options
Stenson Tamaddon

Read More

  • Best for compliance-focused tax credit filing
  • Contact Stenson Tamaddon for pricing
  • Specializes in R&D and other tax credits and incentives with a focus on compliance
  • Best for compliance-focused tax credit filing
  • Contact Stenson Tamaddon for pricing
  • Specializes in R&D and other tax credits and incentives with a focus on compliance

Visit Site

Read More

Show Fewer Options

Read more below to learn why we chose these options.

What Is The R&D Credit? The Quick Answer

The research and development (R&D) tax credit is a general business tax credit available to businesses that have created or improved a product or process. Businesses of all sizes, including startups, are eligible to receive the credit provided they engage in qualified research and development activities that meet the requirements set by the IRS.

The R&D credit is used to lower federal annual income tax liability. In some cases, the credit can also be used to offset the Alternative Minimum Tax or the employer’s share of payroll taxes.

When You Should Use R&D Credit Software & Tax Services

IRS tax codes can be difficult to decipher, and this is especially true in terms of the requirements for the R&D tax credit. The process can get even more complex if you’re retroactively claiming the R&D credit, applying your credit toward Alternative Minimum Tax or payroll taxes, or are just generally unsure of whether you qualify and how to claim the credit. Unless you’re an accountant, tax pro, or well-versed in tax laws, your best option may be to hire a professional to guide you through the process.

R&D tax credit software and services help simplify the complex rules of claiming the R&D credit. Additionally, these services may provide audit protection or support, as well as other useful tips and tools to help you maximize R&D credits and other general business tax credits.

6 Best R&D Tax Credit Software & Tax Services

The best R&D tax credit software and services simplify the process of claiming this money-saving tax benefit. Here are our top six picks, which offer features like automated credit discovery, in-depth studies, good customer support, audit defense, and other tools that help you keep more money in your business.

Omega Accounting Solutions: Best Solution For Maximizing R&D Credits

Omega Accounting Solutions

Total Rating 4.3
Fees3.0

Features5.0

Refund Process & Timeline4.3

Customer Service4.4

User Reviews4.9



Pros

  • Excellent customer support
  • Responsive & thorough team
  • Audit support

Cons

  • Nontransparent pricing

Omega Accounting Solutions bills itself as a government tax incentive expert, and it's easy to see why. Omega specializes in helping business owners claim tax credits, including the R&D tax credit and the Employee Retention Tax Credit.

Omega Accounting has solid reviews from its clients, who boast of the company's responsiveness, helpfulness, and expertise. Omega Accounting is very transparent about its process for maximizing R&D credits, provides audit support, and offers a handy calculator on its website to help you estimate your potential R&D credit.

How Omega Accounting's R&D Process Works

Omega Accounting has a five-step process for claiming R&D credits. First, the company does a full analysis of your business to identify qualified projects for the R&D credit. Next, Omega works with your team to gather expense data to calculate the amount of your credit.

Omega will then conduct interviews and gather documentation to verify your expenses. Omega then works with your team to make the filing process as seamless as possible, while also providing an executive report and audit support. Finally, Omega helps your business implement procedural changes to ensure you maximize your tax credits every year.

Omega Accounting Solutions Pricing

Omega Accounting does not provide pricing details online. You can contact the company by phone, email, or online form to learn more about pricing and what Omega can do for your business.

Omega Accounting Solutions Additional Services

In addition to R&D tax credits, Omega Accounting can help you claim the Employee Retention Credit and even offers bridge loans for access to capital while you wait on the IRS. Additionally, Omega offers fractional accounting services, virtual CFO services, business intelligence, analytics, and reporting. See our full Omega Accounting review to see a full breakdown of these services.

Why We Chose Omega Accounting Solutions

Omega Accounting provides personalized service to help your company claim its R&D credits. But Omega also continues to work with your business beyond just filing, from providing support in the event that you’re audited to helping your business implement new procedures to maximize tax benefits in the future. This kind of support can help businesses understand confusing IRS rules and qualifications. Offering both R&D and ERC services can also help small businesses get the most out of their tax return.

Get Started With Omega Accounting Solutions

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

ADP: Best For Integrating With HCMs

Total Rating 4.0
Pricing1.1

Ease Of Use4.8

Features4.6

Customer Service3.7

User Reviews3.3

Payroll Processing Time

Variable

Pricing

Custom

Business Size

Small to enterprise-sized businesses (1-1,000+ users)

Pros

  • Integrates with HCMs & ATS
  • Automated tax credit discovery
  • Good customer support

Cons

  • Nontransparent pricing

ADP is known for its payroll software, but the company also provides a product that can help businesses identify and claim business tax credits, including the R&D credit. ADPs SmartCompliance is a human capital management (HCM) compliance portfolio that offers customizable solutions for businesses.

ADP SmartCompliance Tax Credit module uses advanced technology to help businesses of all sizes identify and claim federal, state, and local tax credits. This award-winning product is designed to maximize tax benefits while minimizing administrative burdens. And if you're still unsure, ADP offers a SmartCompliance self-guided demo that you can check out for yourself before taking the plunge.

How ADP's R&D Process Works

ADP SmartCompliance HCM integrates with your existing system, including ADP, Oracle, SAP, Workday, and Infor. The Tax Credit module gives you access to ADP’s database of over 3,000 tax credits and incentives to maximize your tax benefits. The SmartCompliance platform includes workflow and data analysis tools, views of current and past performance, and automated discovery of tax credits.

ADP Pricing

ADP does not disclose its pricing for SmartCompliance. Interested business owners can contact ADP by phone or fill out ADP’s online form to schedule a personalized demo.

ADP Additional Services

Beyond SmartCompliance, ADP also offers ADP payroll and tax services. Other solutions available for businesses include workforce management, recruiting and hiring services, benefits administration, HR consulting, and more.

Why We Chose ADP

If your business currently uses an HCM, ADP SmartCompliance may be a great option to help you maximize your tax benefits. With automated tax credit discovery, SmartCompliance helps your business identify R&D credits you may be eligible to claim, as well as other business credits like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

SmartCompliance can also be customized with other modules to streamline your business, including wage payments, payroll taxes, health compliance, wage garnishments, and more.

Get Started With ADP Payroll

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

Gusto: Best R&D Credit Software For Gusto Payroll Users

Total Rating 4.4
Pricing3.7

Ease Of Use4.9

Features4.6

Customer Service4.1

User Reviews3.9

Payroll Processing Time

Next-day to 4 Days

Pricing

$40/month + $6/employee to $80/month + $12/employee

Business Size

Small-Medium Businesses (1-650+ Users)

Pros

  • Good customer support
  • Transparent fees & pricing
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Only available to Gusto subscribers

Gusto offers expert R&D tax credit services to its customers as an add-on service. Gusto offers the best of both worlds, providing users with proprietary tax credit software combined with the knowledge and support of experienced CPAs.

Gusto's R&D tax credit services are a great fit for current users of Gusto's HR platform. But businesses that are looking for an easier way to claim R&D credits, run payroll, manage benefits, and more may want to consider signing up for Gusto.

How Gusto's R&D Process Works

Gusto has an easy three-step process for claiming your R&D credits. To begin, Gusto will help you determine if you’re eligible to receive the credit, as well as how much you’re eligible to receive. Next, Gusto will identify your qualified expenses for claiming the credit. Finally, Gusto will prepare the tax forms needed to claim the credit. You’ll then file these forms with your income tax return.

Gusto Pricing

In order to use Gusto’s R&D tax services, you’ll need to be a Gusto HR platform user. Pricing for Gusto starts at $40/month plus $6/month per employee. The R&D tax services add-on will cost 15% of identified tax credits. A discount is available for subscribers of the Premium plan.

Gusto Additional Services

Gusto is a payroll and HR platform with no long-term contracts required. In addition to its R&D tax services, Gusto offers unlimited multi-state payroll, hiring and onboarding tools, benefits administration, performance reviews, reporting, and more.

Why We Chose Gusto

Gusto’s built-in R&D tax services are convenient for current Gusto users that want to manage their tax credits, payroll, and benefits all in one spot. This service is also a good choice for any business that’s looking for easy-to-use HR and payroll software that offers competitive pricing, good customer support, and numerous features and integrations.

Get Started With Gusto

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

Pilot: Best Budget-Friendly R&D Credit Software

Pilot


Visit Site


Pros

  • Transparent fees & pricing
  • Audit support
  • Good customer support

Cons

  • Reports are lacking

Pilot specializes in bookkeeping services for growing businesses. However, Pilot also offers R&D credit services to help businesses easily claim the credits they're owed. Pilot works with all eligible businesses and doesn't require its clients to use its bookkeeping or other services in order to claim the R&D credit.

Pilot has a good public reputation among its customers, who note that ease of use and knowledgeable staff are among the company's highlights. With competitive pricing for R&D credit services and audit support, it's not difficult to see why Pilot made this list.

How Pilot's R&D Process Works

Pilot has a streamlined four-step process in place to help you claim your R&D tax credits. Pilot begins with an in-depth study to identify qualified R&D expenses. Next, Pilot prepares the paperwork required to claim the credit. This paperwork will either be provided to you for your tax preparer, or Pilot will file the paperwork if you’re a current Pilot Tax customer. Pilot then provides all required documentation to support your claim. Finally, Pilot will work with your payroll provider if you opt to apply your credit to payroll taxes.

Pilot Pricing

Pilot’s R&D credit services cost 2% of total qualifying expenses.

Pilot Additional Services

Pilot provides a number of other business services, including full-service bookkeeping and full-service tax preparation. Pilot also offers CFO services that include ongoing monthly CFO support and annual budgeting and forecasting.

Why We Chose Pilot

Pilot’s competitive pricing really makes it stand out among its competitors. With many companies requiring paid monthly memberships or expensive fees, Pilot’s fee of 2% of qualified expenses is extremely competitive. And based on Pilot’s user reviews, the company still provides great service and access to a knowledgeable team despite its lower pricing.

Get Started With Pilot

Jump back to comparison chart

Aprio: Best Service For Claiming R&D & Other Tax Credits

Aprio


Visit Site


Pros

  • Audit defense
  • International R&D tax credit services
  • Responsive & thorough team

Cons

  • Nontransparent pricing

Aprio is a business advisory firm that provides services to clients around the world. One of its services is helping businesses claim the R&D tax credit -- a service that the company does well. In fact, Aprio helped its clients claim over $90 million in federal and state tax credits in 2020.

Aprio has a very detailed process that it uses to make sure you get the maximum credit for your R&D activities. With full-service studies, interviews, and even complete audit defense, Aprio makes sure all of your bases are covered before you claim your R&D credit.

How Aprio's R&D Process Works

Aprio has a five-step process in place to help you claim your R&D credit. This starts with educating you and your staff about R&D requirements. Aprio then investigates to find qualified R&D activities and related expenses. Aprio will also interview technical staff and analyze data to further identify expenses. Once all expenses have been identified, Aprio will calculate the amount of your tax credit. Finally, the company provides you with an executive report summarizing its findings.

Aprio Pricing

Aprio does not disclose its R&D tax services pricing online. You can contact Aprio by phone or fill out a quick online form to schedule a consultation.

Aprio Additional Services

Aprio offers a wide range of business services aside from claiming R&D tax services. Aprio offers business advisory services, including financial consulting, retirement plan services, business valuations, and blockchain accounting services. Additionally, you can turn to Aprio for assurance, tax services, outsourcing, payroll, staffing services, and COVID relief assistance.

Why We Chose Aprio

Aprio offers thorough, comprehensive R&D tax services, but the company can help you find other tax-saving benefits as well. This includes everything from job tax credits and training credits to film and entertainment tax credits. Aprio also specializes in employee retention credits and can help eligible businesses retroactively claim ERC and receive a refund from the IRS. The additional business advisory services are a nice addition to the R&D services that make Aprio stand out.

Get Started With Aprio

Jump back to comparison chart

Stenson Tamaddon: Best For Compliance-Focused Tax Credit Filing

Stenson Tamaddon

Total Rating 4.2
Fees3.0

Features4.1

Refund Process & Timeline5.0

Customer Service4.5

User Reviews4.4



Pros

  • Strong focus on tax compliance
  • Excellent public reputation
  • Additional tax credit services available

Cons

  • Nontransparent pricing

Stenson-Tamaddon bills itself as a tax technology firm that helps business owners maximize and claim various tax credits, including the R&D credit. Combining proprietary technology and hands-on experience from its team of experts, StenTam takes a compliance-focused stance on helping small businesses claim the R&D credit, ERC, and other specialty tax credits.

Stenson Tamaddon also offers audit protection, secure transfers through its proprietary software, and a free consultation to determine if you qualify. The company also offers good customer support and has an excellent reputation with current and past clients.

How Stenson Tamaddon's R&D Process Works

Stenson Tamaddon has a six-step process for claiming your R&D tax credits. A complimentary consultation kicks off the process, during which time the company will gather documentation. Using this documentation, the company will evaluate your eligibility and provide you with a timeline for filing your claim. If you don’t qualify, you won’t be charged for services.

If you do qualify and opt to move forward, Stenson Tamaddon will review your Qualified Research Expenditures. This and other information will be used to calculate your tax credit. After calculating the credit, you’ll be provided with a file that includes a technical report and supporting guidelines.

Stenson Tamaddon will then file your credit with the IRS. After filing your credit, the company takes additional steps to help you claim future tax credits more efficiently.

Stenson Tamaddon Pricing

Stenson Tamaddon does not disclose its pricing. You will need to contact the company to get started with your free consultation.

Stenson Tamaddon Additional Services

In addition to R&D tax credit services, StenTam can help eligible small businesses claim the ERC. Businesses that qualify for ERC but don’t want to wait 12+ months for a refund check may also qualify to receive an ERC Advance, which provides funding in as little as three days.

Stenson Tamaddon offers a variety of additional tax services, including tax consulting, tax compliance, and business and personal tax planning. The company also specializes in Clean Energy Tax Credits and can assist with other tax credits, as well.

In addition to taxes, StenTam can also help businesses with employee benefits strategies.

Why We Chose Stenson Tamaddon

IRS guidelines and tax codes can be confusing, but Stenson Tamaddon ensures that businesses remain compliant when claiming specialty tax credits like the R&D credit. The company utilizes technology and its team of experts to ensure that businesses are remaining compliant while maximizing their tax credits. Audit support and defense are added bonuses that can help you feel more secure when you file your claim with StenTam.

Get Started With Stenson Tamaddon

Read our in-depth review

Jump back to comparison chart

Which Research & Development Tax Credit Software Is Right For Your Business?

Whether you choose to hire a CPA, opt to use an R&D tax credit service, or invest in software, these resources can streamline the extremely complex task of calculating and claiming your R&D tax credit.

No matter which route you opt to take, make sure that you do your research. At a minimum, you want to work with companies that offer good customer support, audit support, and tools to make completing tax forms and claiming the R&D credit easier for your business.

Before investing your hard-earned funds, make sure you understand what you’re signing up for. Take advantage of any demos, or schedule a consultation. Inquire about pricing, contracts, and the benefits you’ll receive before signing up for new software or services, and learn how to calculate the R&D credit yourself to get an idea of what to expect from your credit.

Finally, make sure to ask about other ways to save money, such as the employee retention tax credit. The ERC is easy to qualify for, and it could put thousands back into your pockets. Plus, some of the best R&D service providers like Omega Accounting Solutions also offer ERC services!

Check out the top ERC service providers and make sure your company is taking advantage of all of your eligible business tax credits and deductions.

R&D Tax Credit Software FAQs

How do I claim the R&D tax credit?

You can claim the R&D credit yourself by completing and filing the appropriate tax forms with your federal income tax return. However, due to the complexities of the tax credit, many business owners opt to use tax credit software or services to simplify the process.

When can I claim the R&D tax credit?

You can claim the R&D tax credit when you file your annual federal income tax return. You can also claim the credit retroactively for prior tax years by filing an amended income tax return.

Who is eligible for the R&D tax credit?

Any business that engaged in qualified research and development activities to create or improve a product or process may be eligible to receive the R&D tax credit. Projects and associated expenses must meet all requirements set by the IRS. Businesses of all sizes may claim the R&D tax credit.

Jump back to comparison chart

Erica Seppala

Erica Seppala

Editor & Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Erica began writing on small business topics in 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and focuses on loans, accounting, and POS. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll. She has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a graduate of Limestone University and resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
Erica Seppala
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.

Sources