Free tool

R&D Tax Credit Calculator for Startups

Estimate the federal R&D tax credit your startup can claim, including the payroll-tax offset available to qualified small businesses.

Interactive

R&D tax credit estimator

Federal credit only. Assumes ASC method. Gross credit before §280C / state credits.

R&D spending this tax year

Qualified wages (already filtered to R&D %)

Contract research (we apply 65% cap)

Cloud computing for R&D

Supplies

QREs in each of prior 3 years
Switches the rate to 14% ASC.Qualified Small Business (QSB)
<$5M current revenue + ≤5 years of receipts. Unlocks payroll offset.

Enter your R&D spending to estimate the federal credit and (for QSBs) the payroll-tax offset.

Estimate only. Real claims require a documented R&D study, the §280C choice, and Form 6765 (Section G mandatory for tax year 2026 with limited exemptions). State credits not included. Verify with your CPA. Sources: 26 USC §41 · IRS QSB credit page · OBBBA §174A.

Want the full mechanics, edge cases, and 2026 rules behind this tool?

Read the full guide: R&D Tax Credit for Startups: 2026 Rules, Section 174, and the Payroll Offset→

This tool gives an estimate for planning only — not tax advice. Acorn 9 is a tax & accounting firm built for startups; the actual numbers on your return are prepared and signed by a licensed CPA. See all tools.