Estimate Your R&D Tax Credit in Minutes
Find out how much you could save with the federal R&D tax credit. Our calculator gives you a preliminary estimate based on your qualified research expenses — the more details you provide, the more accurate your results.
R&D Tax Credit Estimator (US Federal)
Supports ASC and Regular methods. Results are illustrative only.
Simplified estimate. Not tax advice. Assumes US-qualified, non‑funded research.
How to Use This Calculator
Simply enter information about your R&D-related expenses in the fields below. You'll need:
- Employee wages for staff actively performing, supervising, or supporting R&D work
- Supply costs for materials consumed during R&D projects
- Contractor expenses for third parties performing R&D work (you must maintain rights to the work)
- Cloud computing costs used for new development work
The more fields you complete, the more precise your estimate will be. Don't worry if you don't have exact numbers, ballpark figures work too.
Not Sure if You Qualify?
Before you begin, make sure your R&D project passes the following criteria:
1. Permitted Purpose
You're developing or improving a product, process, software, formula, or technique.
2. Technological in Nature
Your work relies on principles of engineering, computer science, biological science, or physical science.
3. Elimination of Uncertainty
At the start of your project, you faced uncertainty about the method, capability, or appropriate design for achieving your desired result.
4. Process of Experimentation
You evaluated alternatives through testing, modeling, simulation, or systematic trial and error.
Common qualifying activities include: software development, product prototyping, manufacturing process improvements, and formula refinement.
