Raleigh CPA Services

Research Costs and Financial Reporting for Raleigh Founders

Distinguish research deductions from research credits

Federal Section 174A and the research credit address different questions. The IRS’s current Form 6765 instructions describe research reporting and recent changes, but an expense labeled R&D does not automatically qualify for a credit. We review project activities, technical uncertainty, employee roles, contracts, and costs before determining which provisions apply. IRS research credit and expenditure guidance.

Maintain a separate North Carolina expense schedule

North Carolina’s July 2026 guidance describes an adjustment when eligible domestic research expenditures are fully deducted federally under Section 174A(a). The state requires an add-back and later deductions under its rules. We review the applicable years and elections and retain a state schedule, rather than copying the federal deduction into the North Carolina return. North Carolina July 2026 research-expense guidance.

Connect the development plan to the financing forecast

We organize payroll, contractors, project milestones, customer receipts, and committed spending into a forecast that shows the company’s runway. Equity and debt transactions require their own documents and accounting. A clear close supports discussions with lenders or investors without treating a projected tax benefit as cash already available.

How we scope the work

We start with the decision or filing you need to complete, the entities and people involved, and the deadline. After reviewing the available records, we identify missing information and propose the services and deliverables. For ongoing work, we establish a close and filing calendar so bookkeeping, tax projections, and owner reporting use consistent information.

For an audit or other assurance request, bring the lender, grant, board, or regulatory requirement. We confirm the engagement type and applicable professional requirements before accepting the work. Audit, review, and compilation engagements for North Carolina entities are accepted under North Carolina's CPA firm mobility rules; for audits, the required notice must first be filed with the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners.