What is Section 41?

26 U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 41 gives rise to the Credit for Increasing Research Activities, commonly known as the “Research & Development (R&D) Credit.” IRS Section 41 lays out the rules and qualifications necessary for claiming the R&D tax credit, which include defining R&D activity, expenses, calculations, and limitations.

How does IRC Section 41 relate to the R&D tax credit?

IRC Section 41 is the source for most of the facets of the R&D tax credit. IRC Sec 41 lays out the calculation methodology, definitions, and limitations relating the the research and development tax credit.

What are the different codes under Section 41?

IRC Section 41 has subsections from (a) through (h). Some of the relevant sections are outlined below:

What is Section 41 d?

IRC Section 41(d) contains an all important definitive test for qualifying R&D activity. This test is defined as: activity undertaken for purposes of discovering information that is technological in nature, intended to develop a new or improve an existing business component, which involves a process of experimentation.

What is Section 41 c?

Section 41(c) defines the Base Amount for calculating a Research & Development tax credit. The Base Amount equals the product of a Fixed Base Percentage and the average gross receipts of the 4 years preceding the tax year for which the credit is being calculated. Subsection (c) also lays out the minimum base amount, and maximum fixed base percentage (16%) allowed in R&D credit calculations.

Importantly, subsection (c) also sets out the calculation methodology for the Alternative Simplified Credit.

What is Section 41 g?

Section 41(g) states that an individual with interest in a pass-through entity shall only use credits to offset income tax associated with income from the same entity.

Section 41 Tax Code Regulations and Limitations?

There are several limitations defined in IRC 41 tax credit code. Among the most relevant are the maximum fixed base percentage of 16% found in 41(c), the minimum base amount, and the 41(g) limitation on pass through entity income and credits.

What is a Section 41 credit?

It is a tax credit set out by Section 41 of the tax code, which allows taxpayers to recoup roughly 10% of their R&D spend as a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. The credit is an incentive to reward U.S. business for creating and keeping technical jobs in the U.S.

What expenses qualify for research and development tax credit?

Wages, supplies, and contractor expenses can qualify. Additionally, computer rental costs and internal software development expenses can qualify. Capital equipment and assets that are depreciated, as well as travel expenses, cannot be included in R&D expenses.

How do you claim credit for increasing research activities?

The credit should be claimed through a specialist. The nuances, limitations, and mechanics of the credit require legal, industry, financial, and accounting know-how. In addition, the IRS and state taxing authorities require the R&D credit process to be documented and substantiated in specific ways that research and development specialists are familiar with.

This page was last updated by Steven Jefferies.