Blog

The R&D credit, in plain English

New guideSection 174 expensing is back. What founders should do now
A software development team reviewing project tasks on digital screens while discussing IRS R&D eligibility criteria.

Guides

Is Software Development Considered R&D? Qualifying for the R&D Tax Credit in 2026

Most modern software development is eligible for R&D tax credits if it passes the IRS four-part test. Learn what qualifies, what does not, and how startups can document activities to claim credits with confidence.

by Claimship ·

All posts

Logos of Gusto, Homebase, Rippling, and ADP showing payroll and workforce management platforms

Guides

Homebase vs Gusto: 2026 Payroll and Workforce Management Comparison

Compare Homebase and Gusto for payroll and workforce management in 2026. See features, pricing, integrations, and strengths for startups and founders.

Gusto, SurePayroll, and Claimship logos side by side for payroll comparison

Guides

Gusto vs SurePayroll in 2026: Payroll Platform Comparison for Startups

Compare Gusto and SurePayroll on payroll features, pricing, integrations, and fit for startups. See which platform matches your business needs.

Grid of R&D tax credit platform and government agency logos

Guides

R&D Payroll Tax Credit: How Startups Can Offset Payroll Taxes in 2026

Learn how startups can use the R&D payroll tax credit to offset up to $500,000 in payroll taxes for 2026, eligibility, steps, and compliance tips.

R&D Tax Credit Calculator: Accurate Estimates and Startup Guidance (2026)

Guides

R&D Tax Credit Calculator: Accurate Estimates and Startup Guidance (2026)

Estimate your R&D tax credit, understand eligibility, and see how automation streamlines the study. Covers expenses, example projects, and Form 6765 steps for startups.

Founders reviewing R&D tax credit documentation with digital tools and expert support

Guides

Expert R&D Credit Support With Fast Claim Turnaround: What Startups Need in 2026

Learn how expert R&D tax credit support accelerates claims, ensures compliance, and what innovative platforms offer for startups in 2026.

Diagram highlighting R&D expense categories, Section 174 treatments, and startup-friendly automation workflows.

Guides

Expense R&D: Understanding Section 174 Capitalization, Amortization, and Startup Impacts in 2026

Learn how Section 174 shapes R&D expense treatment, what changed for startups, and how software can simplify capitalization and credit maximization.

Logos for Gusto, Paycor, and Claimship side by side for payroll software comparison

Guides

Gusto vs Paycor: 2026 Payroll Software Comparison for Startups and SMBs

Gusto and Paycor both offer payroll and HR features, but differ in pricing, integrations, and suitability for startups. See how they compare for 2026.

What Is R&D in Business? Meaning, Examples, and Startup Guide (2026)

Guides

What Is R&D in Business? Meaning, Examples, and Startup Guide (2026)

A practical guide to research and development (R&D) in business: definition, types, real examples, funding, and how startups can automate key tax credit tasks.

Checklist and calculator overlaying the outline of California, representing the state's R&D tax credit process.

Guides

California Research and Development Tax Credit: Eligibility, Calculation, and Startup Impacts (2026)

Understand California’s R&D tax credit, who qualifies, how it's calculated, state-specific rules, and key considerations for startups in 2026.

Timeline illustration showing R&D project phases and automation of tax credit documentation.

Guides

Process R&D Services: From Project Phases to Automated Tax Credit Claims in 2026

Learn the key phases of R&D projects and how startups can streamline R&D tax credit claims, including modern automation solutions.

Grid of logos: Boast, Claimship, GitHub, Jira. Representing R&D claim software tools

Guides

R&D Claim Software for Startups: How Automation Makes Your Tax Credit Audit-Ready

Choose R&D claim software that automates evidence from dev tools, avoids manual tracking, and delivers audit-ready studies for startups. At a flat annual fee.

Find out what your startup is owed

Tell us about your company. We connect your tools, run a first pass, and show you the number. If the credit isn't worth it, we'll tell you.