The federal research and development tax credit rewards companies for qualifying work on new or improved products, processes and software, and qualifying startups can apply part of it against payroll taxes. Claims require careful documentation of projects, wages and supplies, which is why most companies use a specialist firm. This list is for founders, CFOs and controllers comparing R&D tax credit providers in 2026.
We reviewed each firm’s website for its R&D credit methodology, the industries it serves, technology used, audit support and fee approach. Rankings reflect that review, not payment. This list is not tax advice; confirm eligibility with your own tax adviser.
Top R&D Tax Credit Firms To Hire
| Firm | Best For | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| alliantgroup | Mid-size and large companies | Large specialist team with engineers and CPAs |
| Leyton | Companies claiming in several countries | Global innovation funding consultancy |
| KBKG | CPA firms and their clients | Specialty tax firm |
| Source Advisors | Mid-market businesses | R&D plus other incentives |
| Engineered Tax Services | Manufacturers and real estate-heavy firms | Engineering-based incentives |
| Kruze Consulting | Venture-backed startups | Startup CPA firm |
| Neo.Tax | Software startups | Software-driven claims |
| Boast | Tech companies in the US and Canada | AI-assisted claims with expert review |
1. alliantgroup
alliantgroup is a Houston specialty tax firm with a large team of engineers, scientists, CPAs and attorneys focused on government incentives, especially the R&D credit. Its scale suits mid-size and large companies with many projects to document.
Key services: R&D tax credits, state incentives, energy incentives, audit defense.
2. Leyton
Leyton is an international consultancy that helps companies claim innovation funding and R&D tax incentives in many countries. It is a natural fit for businesses running research in more than one jurisdiction.
Key services: R&D tax credits, innovation funding, grants, international incentive claims.
3. KBKG
KBKG is a specialty tax firm that partners with CPA firms on R&D credits, cost segregation and other incentives. Its technical guidance and close CPA collaboration make it a dependable choice for well-documented claims.
Key services: R&D tax credits, cost segregation, 179D, 45L, ERC review.
4. Source Advisors
Source Advisors helps mid-market businesses claim R&D credits along with cost segregation and energy incentives. It suits companies that want all their specialty tax opportunities reviewed by one team.
Key services: R&D tax credits, cost segregation, energy incentives.
5. Engineered Tax Services
Engineered Tax Services handles R&D credits with an engineering-led approach, alongside cost segregation and energy incentives. It is a good match for manufacturers and companies with significant facilities.
Key services: R&D tax credits, cost segregation, 179D, 45L.
6. Kruze Consulting
Kruze Consulting is a startup CPA firm that prepares R&D credit claims for venture-backed companies, including the payroll tax offset for qualifying small businesses. Handling the credit alongside accounting and tax keeps the numbers consistent.
Key services: R&D tax credits, startup accounting, tax preparation, financial modeling.
7. Neo.Tax
Neo.Tax uses software to pull engineering activity and payroll data into R&D credit documentation, reducing the time founders and engineers spend on the claim. It suits software startups that want a faster, data-driven process.
Key services: software-driven R&D credit claims, documentation, audit support.
8. Boast
Boast combines AI tools with tax and technical experts to prepare R&D credit claims for technology companies in the United States and Canada, where it also handles SR&ED. It suits companies operating on both sides of the border.
Key services: R&D tax credits, SR&ED claims, documentation automation, audit support.
One Check Worth Making
Ask how the firm charges and what happens in an audit. Contingency fees based on a percentage of the credit are common, but they can encourage aggressive claims. Look for a provider that documents projects contemporaneously, explains which activities qualify and commits to defending the claim if the IRS examines it.
Conclusion
alliantgroup and Leyton lead for larger and multinational claims, KBKG, Source Advisors and Engineered Tax Services are strong specialty tax partners, Kruze Consulting suits venture-backed startups, and Neo.Tax and Boast bring software to the process.
If you want to add your company to this list, drop us a line or submit a form in the Best Choices section. After a thorough review, we’ll decide whether it’s an appropriate addition.
