Start-up R&D Tax Credit Question

3 pointsDwolb2 comments

An outside accounting firm has informed us we can count a percentage of engineering salaries in 2016 toward a payroll tax credit that can be used in 2017.

I'm concerned their fee is too high for the work. The cost is <50% but >30% of the credit so it's in the end the engagement is worth it.

Does anyone know what this type of advice typically costs on an average hourly rate?

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I'm a CPA. We love to engage on a contingent fee basis where we collect a percentage of credits approved. I once had a client that agreed to it, and we ended up collecting hundreds of thousands in fees for a few hours of work. They did not sign the same engagement the subsequent year, but insisted on time incurred.

If I was you, I would insist on time-incurred and refuse contingent fee. Ask them for their standard charge-out rates, insist on a minimum 20% discount on those rates, and ask them to provide you with a estimated time budget. They won't like it, but they'll accept the engagement because they will still make money. If they don't accept, then choose a different service provider.

Thanks for the advice it gives me confidence in negotiating a bit. Any idea what a partner would bill versus an associate in Chicago?

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