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In this episode of Beyond the Ledger, host Shardae Layfield sits down with Nina Desai, Partner in Bennett Thrasher's Credits & Incentives Practice, and Julie Hagan, who works closely with manufacturers to identify innovation across their operations, to discuss how manufacturers can uncover valuable R&D tax credit opportunities hidden within their everyday operations. From process improvements and automation to custom engineering and production challenges, they explain what truly qualifies, debunk common misconceptions, and share practical guidance on documentation, eligibility, and how these incentives can help manufacturers reinvest in future growth and innovation.
Takeaways
Innovation Happens on the Shop Floor: Many manufacturers assume R&D tax credits only apply to groundbreaking inventions, but everyday engineering challenges, process improvements, and production innovations may also qualify.
Qualification Goes Beyond New Products: Activities involving automation, tooling, robotics, AI, custom manufacturing, and process optimization can all create qualifying R&D opportunities when technical uncertainty is present.
Documentation Is Critical: Maintaining design records, testing results, engineering notes, and evidence of iterative development helps support a successful R&D tax credit claim.
Even Failed Experiments Can Qualify: Projects that don't achieve the desired outcome may still meet IRS requirements because they demonstrate technical experimentation and uncertainty.
Many Costs Are Eligible: Qualified expenses can include employee wages, supplies used during development, and certain contracted research activities.
Technology Is Expanding Opportunities: Investments in automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies are creating new opportunities for manufacturers to claim valuable tax credits.
R&D Credits Can Fuel Future Growth: Rather than simply reducing taxes, these credits can improve cash flow and provide additional resources to invest in innovation, equipment, talent, and long-term competitiveness.
Read the Full Blog: Beyond the Shop Floor: The R&D Tax Credits Manufacturers Are Missing
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to R&D Tax Credits for Manufacturers
01:24 Common Misconceptions About R&D Eligibility
02:20 The Four-Part Test for R&D Qualification
03:43 Qualifying Activities in Manufacturing
05:28 Process Improvements and Cost Reductions
10:30 Impact of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
12:48 Distinguishing Routine Activities from Experimentation
14:32 Developing Solutions for Custom Orders
16:16 Documentation Strategies for R&D Claims
21:24 Using R&D Credits to Reinvest in Growth
23:11 First Steps for Manufacturers to Claim R&D Credits
Resources
Bennett Thrasher – Credits & Incentives Practice: https://www.btcpa.net/services/tax/credits-and-incentives
Connect with the Guests
Nina Desai
Bennett Thrasher Bio: Nina Desai
Julie Hagan
Bennett Thrasher Bio: Julie Hagan
🔗 Learn more: btcpa.net | Follow Bennett Thrasher for more conversations that move business forward.
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Welcome back to Beyond the Ledger, the podcast where we go beyond the numbers to explore the strategies, opportunities, and insights shaping today's business landscape.
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I'm your host, Shard A Lakefield.
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When manufacturers hear the phrase RD tax credit, many immediately think of scientists in lab coats or cutting-edge technology companies.
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But the reality is some of the m…
