California R&D Tax Credit Services for Technology and Engineering Companies

We help California companies identify, calculate, document, and defend both federal and California R&D credits while minimizing disruption to technical teams.

What Sets Us Apart

THE PROBLEM

What Is the California R&D Tax Credit?

The California Research Credit is a state-level tax incentive designed to encourage companies to conduct research and development activities within California.

The credit operates similarly to the federal R&D tax credit but includes several important differences that can create additional opportunities or compliance considerations for taxpayers.

Companies can often claim both the federal credit and the California credit for the same qualifying activities.

How Much Is the California Credit Worth?

California currently provides:

A credit equal to 15% of qualified research expenses exceeding a calculated base amount, and

A 24% credit for certain qualified basic research payments.

California currently provides:

A credit equal to 15% of qualified research expenses exceeding a calculated base amount, and

A 24% credit for certain qualified basic research payments.

Here is a concise summary of the potential annual California R&D tax credits based on company profile:

SaaS Startup (10 Engineers): $25,000 – $75,000
Growth SaaS Company (25 Engineers): $75,000 – $200,000
Mid-Market Technology Company: $200,000 – $500,000+

Note: Actual tax credit amounts vary depending on specific company activities and qualified research expenses.

Our Services

Expert Advice, Built for You

With years of experience and a results-focused approach, we empower businesses to navigate complexity and achieve their goals.

R&D Fedral Tax Credit

For early-stage and growing innovative companies building their foundation and maximizing their credit opportunities.

Federal + State R&D Tax Credit

For innovative companies that also want to maximize their State credits.

Acquisition Readiness

We provide acquisition-ready credit documentation, audit defense, and investor-grade reporting to help you unlock full value at the negotiating table.

WHY R&D TAX ADVISORS

Built Specifically for Engineering-Driven Companies

R&D tax credits are not a one-time exercise.

Our quarterly check-ins help clients improve documentation and maximize future credits as they scale.

Data-driven Insights

CPA-Led Technical Expertise

Led by a California and Nevada licensed CPA with a Master’s in Business Taxation from USC and more than eight years specializing exclusively in R&D tax credits.

Flat Fee Pricing

Our compensation is not tied to the size of your credit claim.

That means our focus stays on defensibility, accuracy, and long-term value rather than maximizing the credit simply to increase our fee.

High-Touch Engagement Model

We work directly with founders, finance leaders, and engineering teams throughout the process with regular communication and structured check-ins.

Documentation Built for Defensibility

Our process focuses on creating supportable documentation that aligns with IRS requirements and can withstand scrutiny if challenged.

Engineering-Focused Industry Expertise

We understand software releases, sprint cycles, technical uncertainty, prototype iterations, manufacturing improvements, and product development lifecycles.

Long-Term Strategic Partnership

R&D tax credits are not a one-time exercise.

Our quarterly check-ins help clients improve documentation and maximize future credits as they scale.

Our Vision

Industires We Serve

SaaS Companies

We prioritize strategic clarity, sustainable growth, and measurable impact, ensuring businesses stay ahead in a dynamic market.

AI Startups

Combining data-driven insights with tailored solutions, we create actionable strategies that drive real business results.

Engineering Firms

Years of hands-on consulting have helped organizations navigate complexity, unlock growth, and achieve lasting transformation.

Biotech Companies

We prioritize strategic clarity, sustainable growth, and measurable impact, ensuring businesses stay ahead in a dynamic market.

Healthtech Companies

Combining data-driven insights with tailored solutions, we create actionable strategies that drive real business results.

Have a Challenge or an Idea?

OUR PROCESS

A Transparent, Collaborative Process Designed Around Your Team

From emerging startups to established global leaders, our clients rely on our expertise to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve measurable results.

Discovery Call

20–30 minute conversation to understand your business, engineering activities, and current tax structure.

Strategy Call & Preliminary Estimate

We review your potential opportunity, explain how the credit works, and provide a preliminary estimate.

Credit Study & Onboarding Engagement

Secure data collection and onboarding through our client portal. We analyze qualified activities, costs, and supporting documentation.

Final Deliverables & Filing Support

Completed calculations, documentation packages, and filing support for your CPA.

$10M+

In Cost Savings Identified

Optimizing operations for sustainable profitability.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Technical Tax Expertise Backed by Real Experience

Master of Business Taxation (MBT), University of Southern California
Licensed California CPA
Licensed Nevada CPA
8+ years specializing in R&D tax credits
Former international accounting firm experience
Experience supporting large multi-entity R&D credit programs

We bring enterprise-level technical rigor to growing engineering-driven companies that want a more specialized and collaborative advisory experience.

Chris Peters (CPA)

President

FAQ

Can companies claim both federal and California credits?

Yes. Many companies claim both credits simultaneously

Does remote work outside California qualify?

Generally, California credits apply only to research performed within California.

What form is used to claim the California credit?

Most taxpayers claim the credit using California Form FTB 3523

Is the California credit refundable?

No. However, unused credits can generally be carried forward indefinitely until utilized

Can startups qualify?

Absolutely. Many early-stage California startups qualify for both federal and state incentives.

Vinit Gupta

Senior Financial Specialist @ Consero Global

I spoke to 12 to 15 firms before finding Chris. What stood out was his responsiveness, patience, and ability to guide us through a complex process clearly. From the initial engagement through execution, he made the process easy to navigate and helped us secure a meaningful R&D tax credit benefit.

45%

Revenue Growth After Expansion

Brendan Conaway

COO at Longshot Space

You have been responsive and have explained the R&D tax credit process in a way that is so easy to understand. I know when I'm working with a contractor and they are just trying to extract as much value out of me as they can but you are here to help and it is so obvious and you've been amazing. This is the first time I have felt like I understand the tax credit process.

"You're a BAMF."

Revenue Growth After Expansion

What Our Clients Say

Our Clients

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