What Manufacturing Activities Qualify for R&D Tax Credits
Discover how to identify qualifying R&D activities in your manufacturing operations and maximize your tax credits
Webinar Overview
Many manufacturers are missing out on valuable R&D tax credits because they don't realize their everyday activities qualify. This comprehensive webinar will help you identify qualifying activities in your manufacturing operations and provide a clear roadmap for documenting and claiming these credits.
Who Should Attend:
- Manufacturing Business Owners
- Tax Directors & Managers
- CFOs & Controllers
- Operations Managers
- Process Engineers
- R&D Team Leaders
- Product Development Managers
- Quality Control Managers
Presented By
Michael Schapira, CPA
Managing Partner, R&D Tax Credit Specialist
Jennifer Rodriguez, PE
Manufacturing Process Engineer & R&D Consultant
What You'll Get
- Comprehensive R&D qualification checklist
- Documentation templates for qualifying activities
- Case studies of successful R&D credit claims
- Access to the webinar recording
- Q&A with R&D tax credit experts
- Certificate of completion
Key Topics Covered
Qualifying Manufacturing Activities
- Process improvements and optimization
- New product development and prototyping
- Material testing and evaluation
- Quality control process development
- Automation and technology integration
The Four-Part Test
- Permitted purpose: improving products or processes
- Technological in nature: relying on hard sciences
- Elimination of uncertainty: overcoming challenges
- Process of experimentation: systematic trial and error
Documentation Best Practices
- Creating contemporaneous documentation
- Tracking qualified research expenses (QREs)
- Documenting employee time on qualifying activities
- Maintaining project records and technical reports
- Using digital tools for R&D documentation
Maximizing Your Credit
- Identifying all eligible expenses
- Calculating the credit correctly
- Federal vs. state R&D credits
- Carrying forward unused credits
- Audit-proofing your R&D credit claim
Real-World Examples
Precision Metal Manufacturer
A precision metal parts manufacturer received $187,000 in R&D credits for developing new machining processes and testing alternative materials to improve durability.
- CNC programming optimization
- Material testing for heat resistance
- Fixture design improvements
- Quality control process development
Food Processing Company
A food processing company claimed $215,000 in R&D credits for developing new preservation methods and automating their packaging line to improve efficiency.
- Preservation technique testing
- Packaging automation development
- Shelf-life extension research
- Production line reconfiguration
Plastic Injection Molder
A plastic injection molding company received $142,000 in R&D credits for developing new tooling designs and testing alternative resins for improved performance.
- Mold design optimization
- Alternative resin testing
- Cycle time reduction experiments
- Cooling system improvements
Electronics Manufacturer
An electronics manufacturer claimed $278,000 in R&D credits for developing new testing procedures and improving their assembly process automation.
- Automated testing system development
- Assembly process optimization
- Component miniaturization research
- Heat dissipation improvements
Register for the Webinar
Secure your spot for this valuable session and take the first step toward maximizing your R&D tax credits
Webinar Details
- DateMay 15, 2025
- Time1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time
- FormatLive webinar with Q&A + On-demand recording
- MaterialsSlides, templates, and resources included
Registration Form
Can't Make the Live Session?
Register anyway and get access to the on-demand recording and all materials. You'll receive an email with access instructions within 24 hours after the live webinar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my manufacturing activities qualify for R&D tax credits?
Activities that involve developing or improving products, processes, techniques, formulas, or software may qualify. This webinar will provide a comprehensive framework to help you identify qualifying activities in your specific manufacturing operations.
What types of expenses qualify for the R&D tax credit?
Qualified research expenses (QREs) typically include wages for employees conducting research, supplies used in research, and certain contract research expenses. The webinar will cover all eligible expense categories in detail.
How far back can I claim R&D tax credits?
Generally, you can amend returns to claim R&D tax credits for the previous three tax years. We'll discuss the lookback period and strategies for maximizing your credit during the webinar.
Do I need to be developing something revolutionary to qualify?
No. The R&D tax credit is for evolutionary as well as revolutionary activities. Many manufacturers qualify based on incremental improvements to existing products or processes. The webinar will clarify common misconceptions about qualification requirements.
What documentation do I need to support an R&D tax credit claim?
Documentation should demonstrate the process of experimentation and technical uncertainty. This can include project plans, test results, meeting notes, and time tracking. We'll provide detailed documentation guidelines during the webinar.
Related Resources
R&D Credit Calculator
Estimate your potential R&D tax credits with our interactive calculator designed for manufacturers.
Try Calculator
R&D Case Studies
Real-world examples of manufacturers who successfully implemented R&D tax credit strategies.
View Case StudiesReady to Maximize Your R&D Tax Credits?
Register for our webinar today and take the first step toward identifying all your qualifying R&D activities and maximizing your tax savings.
