Home » Services » R&D Tax Credits » Industries » Engineering

Engineering Innovation: Unlocking R&D Tax Credits in the Engineering Field

The engineering industry is the driving force behind countless innovations, shaping everything from cutting-edge technology to the vital infrastructure that sustains our daily lives. Research and development (R&D) tax credits serve as an essential catalyst for engineering firms, providing the financial support needed to push the boundaries of what's possible.

engineering field

The Role of R&D Tax Credits in Engineering

In the multifaceted world of engineering, R&D tax credits play a pivotal role. They stimulate progress in vital areas such as geotechnical engineering, structural design, mechanical innovations and much more. By alleviating financial constraints, these credits empower firms to experiment, innovate and set new industry standards.

Qualifying R&D Activities

The engineering sector is abundant with opportunities to leverage R&D tax credits, including activities such as: 

  • Advanced material research—creating or enhancing materials for targeted applications, such as lighter, stronger alloys or specialized coatings
  • Simulation and modeling—employing computer simulations to analyze and resolve engineering challenges, such as stress testing or fluid dynamics
  • Process optimization—refining existing processes or developing new ones to boost efficiency, safety or environmental stewardship
  • Customized engineering solutions—designing unique solutions tailored to address particular client requirements or industry specifications
  • Technological innovation—investigating and applying cutting-edge technologies to complex engineering challenges
  • Energy management research—creating methods for optimized energy usage or the incorporation of renewable energy sources
  • Robotic and automation research—studying ways to enhance automation systems in manufacturing or other sectors
  • Acoustic engineering—researching sound management, vibration control and noise reduction techniques

Eligible R&D Expenses

Engineering firms can capitalize on various R&D-related expenses, including: 

  • Personnel costs—salaries and wages for professionals involved in research, design, simulations and other R&D activities
  • Equipment and tooling costs—expenses for specialized machinery, software or tools for product development, prototyping and experimentation
  • Third-party contractor fees—costs for outsourcing specific engineering services, prototypes or specialized assessments
  • Energy sustainability expenses—costs related to researching and implementing energy-efficient technologies or sustainability programs

Success Stories

The tangible impact of R&D tax credits on the engineering field is clear to see in these real-world success stories:

  • An engineering firm in New York utilized R&D credits to save $1,175,120 on their first-year taxes, uncovering $19,887,332 in total qualified research expenses with the assistance of Engineered Tax Services.
  • An engineering firm in California achieved a savings of $516,627 on their first-year taxes by recognizing and leveraging $3,332,851 in qualifying research and development expenses.
  • An engineer in Utah successfully claimed both federal and state R&D credits, discovering a total of $282,887 in qualified research expenditures and saving $43,077 in the first year.

These case studies underline the valuable role of R&D tax credits in supporting innovation within the engineering industry. By partnering with Engineered Tax Services, your firm can also explore these vast opportunities to invest in growth, technology and infrastructure development. 

Whether it's pioneering new engineering processes, developing value engineering methods or implementing innovative materials and design solutions, these credits can play a vital role in achieving your engineering ambitions.

ebook: building for the future
r&d tax credit guide

Speak with a Specialist

Are you eager to transform your engineering visions into reality? Reach out to Engineered Tax Services and let our team of specialists guide you in maximizing your R&D tax credits. Together, we can fuel innovation, reduce financial barriers and enable your firm to lead in engineering excellence.

Contact Us