MSN was introduced to a manufacturer that historically prepared their own claims related to developing and improving their products. After a review of their operations and projects, we were able to find a $500K software development SR&ED project. They were unaware of the software development eligibility criteria and didn’t think that software was going to qualify, since they were so focused on their mechanical engineering and product development activities.
Lessons Learned: Most companies that prepare their own claims focus on product development for their SR&ED claim. The two most commonly missed areas for SR&ED include software development and process development. If you have software developers on staff, or if you have technical people improving your shop floor processes, you may have some additional qualifying SR&ED work.