Firms that employ professionals, including architects, engineers, general contractors, and sub-contractors, to perform qualified research as part of their project activities qualify for the Research and Development Tax Credit. Qualified research is most often found in projects that present one or more technical challenges that must be overcome and the firms that provide the best credit opportunity are the ones that perform engineering and design work in-house (e.g., design-build firms).

Much of the experimentation in these types of projects involves using advanced modeling software to develop and test virtual mock-up designs. Other potential qualifying activities could include the testing and experimentation of designs in new or unique environments and the improvement of construction processes or practices for increased efficiency or reliability. Corporate Tax Advisors works with companies nationwide who perform these services to ensure they are benefiting from the Research and Development Tax Credit whenever possible.

Some examples of the types of projects most likely to contain qualified research include the following:

• Green building design/LEED certification
• Energy efficiency design or improvement
• Structural engineering to withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, fire and other disasters
• Experimenting with alternative material combinations
• Dew point analysis to determine location and type of vapor barrier for walls, roofs and floors
• Foundation engineering to mitigate the effect of unstable soil or sand
• HVAC system design for airflow and energy efficiency
• Electrical system design for efficient power usage
• Plumbing system design for efficient water usage
• Lighting system design for energy efficiency
• Drainage/storm water management design
• Unique infrastructure design Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• High-tech equipment installation