Major R&D Expenses Tax Credit

Eligibility

The research of a taxpayer applying for the Major R&D Expenses Tax Credit must meet the federal definition of qualified research under IRC § 41(d) to qualify for the credit. Under IRC § 41(d), qualified research means research:

With expenditures that qualify as expenses under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) § 174 (i.e., such expenditures must be incurred in connection with the taxpayer’s trade or business and represent a research and development cost in the experimental or laboratory sense).
That is undertaken for the purpose of discovering information which is technological in nature.
Whose application is intended to be useful in the development of a new or improved business component of the taxpayer.
Whose activities all substantially constitute elements of a process of experimentation for a new or improved function, performance, or reliability or quality.

To be considered “qualified research,” the taxpayer must establish that the research being performed meets each of the above requirements. Qualified research generally does not include the following:

Research conducted after the beginning of commercial production.
Research adapting an existing product or process merely to meet customer specifications (unless the adaptation is carried out under experimental or laboratory conditions to improve the product or process, or to develop a new use for the product or process).
Duplication of an existing business activity.
Surveys, studies, or routine activities, including: testing or inspection of materials or products for quality control; environmental analysis; testing of samples for chemical or other content; operations research; feasibility studies; efficiency surveys; management studies; consumer surveys; economic surveys; research in the social sciences; market research including advertising and promotions; and routine data collection.
Research in the social sciences, arts, or humanities.
Research conducted outside the United States, Puerto Rico, or a United States possession.
Research of computer software for internal use (except if the software development contributes to Virginia qualified research and development).
Any research and development already funded by a grant, contract, or another entity, including a governmental entity.

Virginia research and development expenses must meet the federal definition of qualified research expenses under IRC § 41(b) to qualify for the credit. Under IRC § 41(b), qualified research expenses are defined as amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year in carrying on any trade or business of the taxpayer for:

In-house expenses
Contract research expenses

Research and development expenses paid or incurred for research conducted in Virginia on human cells or tissue derived from induced abortions or from stem cells obtained from embryos do not qualify for the credit. Research and development expenses paid or incurred for research conducted in Virginia on nonhuman embryonic stem cells may qualify for the credit.

Process

Taxpayers apply to the Department of Taxation by completing Form MRD. This form and any supporting documentation must be completed and mailed no later than July 1 of the calendar year following the credit year.
The Department of Taxation reviews all applications for completeness and notifies taxpayers of any errors by September 1.
If any additional information is required, it must be provided to the Department no later than September 15 to be considered for the credit.
All eligible taxpayers are notified as to the amount of credits they may claim

Resources

FAQ

Can a taxpayer claim this credit with the Refundable Research and Development Expenses Tax Credit?

Any taxpayer who is allowed a research and development expenses tax credit is not allowed to use the same expenses as the basis for claiming any other Virginia tax credit. No taxpayer may claim both this credit and the Major R&D Expenses Tax Credit.

How does a taxpayer determine the average amount of Virginia qualified research and development expenses for the three years?

If one or more of the three taxable years preceding the credit year is a short taxable year, then the Virginia qualified research and development expenses for such year must be modified by multiplying that amount by 365 (366 in a leap year) and dividing the result by the number of days in the short taxable year.

What is the maximum amount of credits that may be claimed in a year?

The credit is capped at $20 million per taxable year. If total eligible credit requests exceed $20 million, each taxpayer will be granted a pro rata amount of credits as determined by the Department.

What additional documentation is required on Form MRD?

Outline of the type of research and development being conducted in Virginia.
Details regarding the qualified contractors: name of the qualified contractor, expenses paid, location where research is conducted, length of time spent on the project, and type of research conducted.
All applicants must complete and enclose Schedule A and Schedule B. If claiming the Major R&D Credit on the basis of qualified wages, complete Section 2 of Schedule A in addition to Section 1. Additional Schedules A can be submitted if additional space is needed. Retain a copy of any supporting documentation of these expenditures. Upon request, a taxpayer may be required to provide proof of purchase, such as an invoice, receipt, canceled check, bank statement, or credit card statement.

Where must applications for the tax credit be sent?

All applications must be sent to:
Virginia Department of Taxation
Tax Credit Unit
P.O. Box 715
Richmond, VA 23218-0715