R&D Tax Credits Recovery Success Story

Precision Metal: $850K R&D Tax Credits Recovery

How comprehensive R&D credit analysis and documentation helped a precision metal fabricator recover $850,000 in previously unclaimed tax credits across three years of qualifying manufacturing innovations and process improvements.

$850K
R&D Credits Recovered
3
Years Analyzed
47
Qualifying Projects

Executive Summary

Precision Metal Fabricators, a leading custom metal fabrication company, partnered with Schapira CPAs to conduct a comprehensive R&D tax credit study. Through detailed analysis of manufacturing processes, equipment innovations, and process improvements, we identified and documented $850,000 in qualifying R&D activities across three tax years, resulting in immediate cash flow benefits and ongoing credit opportunities.

Client Profile

Precision Metal Fabricators

Custom Metal Fabrication & Manufacturing

Company Details

Founded:1987
Location:Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Employees:125
Annual Revenue:$28M
Facility Size:85,000 sq ft

Manufacturing Capabilities

  • Precision CNC machining
  • Custom welding & fabrication
  • Sheet metal forming & stamping
  • Assembly & finishing services

Precision Metal Fabricators serves diverse industries including automotive, construction equipment, medical devices, and industrial machinery. Known for their innovative approach to complex fabrication challenges, the company continuously invests in new technologies and process improvements to maintain their competitive edge and meet evolving customer requirements.

The Challenge

Missed R&D Credit Opportunities

Despite significant investments in manufacturing innovation and process improvements, Precision Metal had never claimed R&D tax credits, potentially missing substantial tax savings that could fund additional growth and innovation initiatives.

Unrecognized Qualifying Activities

Ongoing process improvements, equipment modifications, and custom solution development weren't being recognized as potential R&D activities eligible for tax credits.

Inadequate Documentation

Lack of systematic documentation of innovation activities, time tracking, and project records made it difficult to substantiate potential R&D credit claims.

Complex Qualification Requirements

Understanding which manufacturing activities qualify for R&D credits and meeting IRS documentation requirements required specialized expertise.

Cash Flow Impact

Missing out on significant tax credits reduced available cash flow for reinvestment in equipment, technology, and facility improvements.

Our Comprehensive Solution

Comprehensive R&D Credit Analysis

Schapira CPAs conducted an exhaustive analysis of Precision Metal's operations, identifying and documenting qualifying R&D activities across multiple years while establishing systems for ongoing credit optimization.

Phase 1: Comprehensive Activity Assessment

Operations Analysis
  • Detailed review of manufacturing processes and procedures
  • Equipment modification and improvement documentation
  • Custom solution development project review
Qualification Analysis
  • Four-part test application for each activity
  • Technical uncertainty identification
  • Process of experimentation documentation

Phase 2: Documentation & Quantification

Project Documentation

Detailed records of 47 qualifying R&D projects

Cost Allocation

Precise tracking of qualifying expenses

Compliance Review

IRS audit-ready documentation

Phase 3: Credit Calculation & Filing

Credit Optimization
  • Multi-year credit calculation and optimization
  • Alternative Simplified Credit (ASC) analysis
  • State credit opportunities identification
Implementation Support
  • Amended return preparation and filing
  • Ongoing documentation system establishment
  • Future year planning and optimization

Outstanding Results

Exceptional R&D Credit Recovery

The comprehensive R&D credit analysis delivered substantial tax savings and established ongoing processes to maximize future credit opportunities, providing significant cash flow benefits for continued innovation investments.

$850K
Total Credits Recovered
3-year analysis period
47
Qualifying Projects
Documented activities
18%
Effective Credit Rate
On qualifying expenses
3
Years Analyzed
2020-2022 tax years

Qualifying R&D Activities Identified

Process Improvements
  • Welding technique optimization for exotic materials
  • CNC programming efficiency improvements
  • Quality control automation development
Equipment & Technology
  • Custom fixture and tooling design
  • Machine modification for specialized applications
  • Software integration and automation systems
"We had no idea that so many of our daily improvement activities qualified for R&D tax credits. Schapira CPAs opened our eyes to opportunities we'd been missing for years. The $850,000 in recovered credits has allowed us to accelerate our equipment modernization plans and invest in additional process improvements. Even better, they've set up systems to ensure we capture these credits going forward."
Tom Rodriguez
Tom Rodriguez
President, Precision Metal Fabricators
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Key Takeaways

For Manufacturing Companies

  • Many routine improvement activities qualify for R&D credits
  • Proper documentation is critical for maximizing credit value
  • Multi-year analysis can uncover significant opportunities

Success Factors

  • Comprehensive operational analysis and review
  • Detailed project documentation and qualification
  • Ongoing systems for future credit optimization

Project Summary

Client
Precision Metal Fabricators
Industry
Custom Metal Fabrication
Analysis Period
3 Tax Years (2020-2022)
Credits Recovered
$850,000
Services Provided
• R&D Credit Study & Analysis
• Activity Qualification Assessment
• Documentation & Compliance
• Credit Calculation & Optimization
• Amended Return Preparation

Download Full Case Study

Get the complete case study with detailed R&D qualification criteria and documentation examples.

Explore Your R&D Credit Opportunities

Ready to discover unclaimed R&D tax credits in your manufacturing operations?

Schedule Free Assessment

Ready to Discover Your R&D Tax Credit Opportunities?

Our R&D tax credit specialists have helped manufacturers recover over $15M in unclaimed credits. Many routine manufacturing improvements qualify for substantial tax savings. Let us help you identify and capture these valuable opportunities.