Many businesses are unknowingly eligible for significant R&D and other tax credits, yet thousands of dollars remain with the government simply because there’s no structured process to identify them. Accounting and advisory firms that build a systematic approach to uncover these opportunities can not only save their clients money but also create high-margin advisory services.

The Myth: “My Clients Aren’t ‘R&D’ Companies”
A common misconception is that R&D credits only apply to labs or tech startups. In reality, the definition for tax purposes is much broader. It includes activities like developing new processes, improving product designs, creating new techniques, or implementing efficiencies. Companies in manufacturing, construction, engineering, and even agriculture often qualify but never claim these credits because they assume they are not eligible.

The Flaw: The ‘Accidental’ Discovery Approach
Many firms rely on chance—casual comments during client meetings or sporadic observations—to identify R&D opportunities. This reactive method is unreliable and guarantees that potential credits across your client portfolio are overlooked. Hope is not a strategy. Without a repeatable process, your firm is leaving money—and credibility—on the table.

The Solution: The Annual ‘Tax Credit Screen’
To capture all eligible opportunities, integrate a systematic screening process into your annual workflow. Key steps include:

• Standard Questionnaire: Send every client a concise, targeted questionnaire designed to uncover qualifying activities.
  
• Team Training: Educate staff to recognize trigger words like “new process,” “prototype,” or “custom software.”
  
• Phase II Deep Dive: When a client shows potential, conduct a detailed, billable study to quantify eligible credits and guide proper documentation.
  

Stop Being a Tax Preparer. Start Being a Tax Strategist
By implementing a proactive system, your firm can:

• Uncover hidden value and become a trusted advisor to your clients
  
•  Establish a high-margin advisory service that differentiates your practice
  
•  Ensure clients never leave money on the table again
  

Firms that embrace this approach move beyond compliance and into strategic advisory, strengthening client relationships while boosting revenue. Both US and UK businesses benefit from a structured R&D and tax credit discovery process, turning overlooked opportunities into tangible results. Get in touch with AccelUS today!