The R&D Credit Playbook

Your startup is burning cash on engineers, and you may be sitting on a federal tax credit that could return up to $500,000 a year through lower payroll taxes, even if you have never turned a profit. Most founders have never heard of it, and many who have assume it's only for white-coat laboratories. This book is written for founders and CFOs who want to turn payroll into runway without hiring an army of tax specialists.

Inside, you'll discover how the four-part test applies to software and other non-lab startups, and why everyday engineering experiments may qualify. You'll learn how the payroll tax offset works, from the Form 6765 election to the quarterly Form 8974 claim. You'll also see how the new Section 174 immediate-expensing change fits alongside the credit, and what records will protect your claim if the IRS comes calling.

What sets this playbook apart is its plain-English, story-driven approach. Complex rules become relatable analogies and clear next steps, and every chapter leaves you with something you can act on right away. No tax degree required, just a startup and a desire to keep more of your cash.