Indiana offers a Research Expense Credit (REC) that helps companies reduce tax liability when they increase qualified research spending in the state. The credit is incremental and based on federal rules, so it can be paired with the federal R&D credit for larger savings.
The Indiana credit equals 15% of qualified research expenses (QREs) that exceed a base amount, or 10% if the company’s average gross receipts exceed $1 billion.
Qualified expenses follow the federal IRC §41 definition but must be tied to research performed in Indiana. This typically includes wages for Indiana-based R&D employees, supplies used in research, and 65% of contractor research performed in the state.
To claim the credit, taxpayers file Schedule IN-EDGE-R (Research Expense Credit) with their Indiana corporate or individual income tax return. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to 10 years, but they are not refundable.
📄 Indiana Department of Revenue – Research Expense Credit Overview
📄 Schedule IN-EDGE-R Instructions (PDF)
It’s important to note that Indiana’s credit is especially beneficial for manufacturers, technology firms, and life sciences companies with ongoing in-state R&D operations. Strategic planning ensures your base amount is correctly calculated and that QREs are aligned with both state and federal definitions. Our team helps companies capture, document, and file claims that maximize the credit.
Starting in tax year 2025, businesses can now immediately deduct domestic R&D expenses in the year they occur instead of spreading deductions over five years. The bill also offers refund opportunities for small businesses and faster deduction schedules for larger companies.
If your business has $31 million or less in annual gross receipts, you may be able to:
File amended returns for 2022–2024 to get cash refunds for previously capitalized R&D costs
Deduct remaining unamortized R&D expenses faster starting in 2025
Apply your R&D credit against payroll taxes—up to $500,000 per year for qualifying startups
Yes. Eligible small businesses can retroactively deduct R&D costs from 2022–2024 and claim refunds. Even larger companies can accelerate the deduction of past R&D costs over one or two years starting in 2025.
No. The 15-year amortization rule for foreign R&D remains in place. The new immediate expensing option only applies to U.S.-based research and development.
Savings vary, but many businesses may recover hundreds of thousands of dollars through a combination of:
Full expensing of domestic R&D costs
Retroactive refunds for 2022–2024
Annual R&D tax credits (often worth 5–10% of qualifying expenses)
Startups with less than $5 million in annual revenue can use the R&D credit to offset payroll taxes—up to $500,000 per year—resulting in quarterly cash refunds, even without taxable income.
Work with our expert team at TaxTaker. We help innovative companies like yours identify, document, and claim the maximum R&D tax credit available—while ensuring you stay fully compliant with IRS requirements. Our team specializes in both federal and state R&D tax credits, and we know how to uncover hidden value by reviewing past filings for potential refund opportunities. With the new 2025 rules in place, we’ll build a tailored strategy that maximizes your savings now and in the years ahead. That’s why businesses across the country trust TaxTaker to deliver results they can count on.
Working with TaxTaker is risk free. TaxTaker collects a success fee only if you qualify for a tax credit.