How Much Does an R&D Tax Credit Study Cost in 2025? (And What Actually Drives the Price)

The Question

“Why do R&D tax credit studies range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over $50,000?”

If you’ve ever looked into claiming the R&D tax credit, you’ve probably noticed how wide the pricing spectrum is. The reason is that “R&D study” can mean very different things depending on who’s performing it, how it’s done, and what’s included.

The Short Answer

In 2025, the cost of an R&D tax credit study generally ranges from $5,000 to $100,000+, depending on complexity, company size, and provider type.

The market breaks down into four main tiers, each serving a distinct type of company and offering a different level of depth, audit protection, and support.

1. Automation and AI-Driven Platforms

These are largely DIY, software-based solutions.
They operate as subscription or service platforms that automate data collection and calculation. Prices are not always public, but they typically fall between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on company size and data volume.

Pros:

• Fast and inexpensive.

• Easy to use for straightforward companies with clean data and minimal risk.

Cons:

• Limited qualitative analysis (i.e., explaining why work qualifies).

• Minimal or no support if the IRS or state tax authority requests documentation.

• Often rely on standardized templates that may not meet IRS documentation expectations.

Best for: Early-stage startups or small teams with simple, well-documented development projects looking for a quick calculation.

2. Boutique R&D Firms

Boutique firms specialize exclusively in R&D tax credits.
They typically offer more hands-on service — technical interviews, documentation preparation, and IRS-aligned narratives. Most charge on a contingent fee basis (a percentage of the credit), usually between 15% and 35% of the total benefit.

Pros:

• Deep technical expertise.

• Full qualitative reports prepared by specialists familiar with IRS guidance.

• Stronger audit readiness than automated platforms.

Cons:

• Contingent fees can become expensive as credits grow.

• Quality can vary widely between firms, especially those outsourcing work overseas or relying heavily on automation behind the scenes.

• Contingent fees create a natural incentive to include as many activities as possible - whether qualified or not.

Best for: Growing companies seeking a balance of expertise and flexibility, particularly those with recurring R&D activity but without internal tax teams. Don't want to pay an up-front fee.

3. Mid-Tier and Regional Accounting Firms

These are traditional accounting firms that focus primarily on tax compliance, audit, and general advisory work.
Some have internal R&D specialists, while others handle claims within their standard tax teams.

Pricing can range from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on firm size and whether the work is done in-house or subcontracted.

Pros:

• Convenient for existing clients since they already manage the tax return.

• Familiarity with the company’s overall tax position and financials.

Cons:

• May not have dedicated R&D expertise.

• Documentation standards vary; some firms produce limited support beyond the Form 6765 calculation.

• Often less proactive about exploring state-level opportunities or defending claims if challenged.

Best for: Companies looking for a one-stop solution from their existing CPA who can handle the filing and credit calculation, but who don’t need a deeply technical study.

4. The Big Four

EY, PwC, Deloitte, and KPMG — commonly referred to as the Big Four — handle the largest and most complex R&D credit claims in the world.
They maintain large, specialized teams that deal exclusively with credits, statistical sampling, acquisitions, and complex multi-state coordination.

Expect fees starting around $50,000+ per study, often reaching into the hundreds of thousands (and sometimes millions) for multi-entity or complex tax-structured clients.

Pros:

• Deep expertise, full audit defense (for additional price), and sophisticated sampling methodologies.

• Ideal for large, complex claims ($1M–$100M+).

• Integrated with global tax strategy and financial reporting.

Cons:

• Cost-prohibitive for smaller companies.

• Process-heavy and slower turnaround times.

• Designed for enterprise clients with established finance departments.

Best for: Large corporations or pre-IPO companies with complex structures and significant R&D spend.

What You’re Really Paying For

Regardless of provider, the price of an R&D tax credit study generally covers two core deliverables:

1. The Calculation — Determining qualified expenses, computing the credit amount, and filing the necessary federal and state forms (such as IRS Form 6765).

2. The Documentation — Preparing detailed qualitative support that explains why each activity qualifies, backed by project examples, technical narratives, and contemporaneous evidence.

Many lower-cost providers focus heavily on the first and minimize the second.
But if a tax authority challenges the claim, that qualitative documentation becomes the difference between a smooth resolution and a costly defense.

Key Takeaway

When comparing providers, it’s less about who charges more and more about what’s included.
The right fit depends on the size of your claim, your tolerance for audit risk, and how much internal documentation you already have.
In short: you’re not just paying for a number — you’re paying for confidence that the number will hold up when it matters.