About
Clarus R+D is a comprehensive R&D tax credit software solution designed to democratize access to one of the most valuable yet underutilized tax incentives available to businesses. Whether you're a startup looking to offset payroll taxes or a large enterprise managing complex R&D claims, Clarus R+D delivers a customized combination of cutting-edge technology and hands-on expert guidance. The platform walks users through a free eligibility check that assesses federal and state R&D tax credit qualification, provides industry-specific qualifying activity examples, and delivers an estimated credit amount. From there, users can access tiered service plans that include completed IRS Form 6765 preparation, supporting documentation, live working sessions with R&D tax credit specialists, and a dedicated account manager. Key capabilities include an AI-enabled qualification assistant, expense import and third-party integrations, SOC-2 certified data security, and project sampling tools for enterprise clients. Tax practitioners such as CPAs also benefit from the platform, which was purpose-built by tax experts to power R&D tax practices efficiently. Clarus R+D has helped businesses across industries — from biotech and software to breweries and auto glass repair — claim millions in tax credits. Startups can leverage the credit to offset up to $500,000 in payroll taxes, while larger enterprises use the platform to drive efficiency and maintain compliance at scale. The platform is ideal for any qualified company seeking non-dilutive funding through the R&D tax credit program.
Key Features
- Free Eligibility Check: Instantly assess your potential qualification for federal and state R&D tax credits, get industry-specific examples, and receive a credit estimate at no cost.
- AI-Enabled Qualification Assistant: An intelligent tool that helps answer qualification questions, guiding users through complex R&D activity assessments with accuracy and ease.
- IRS Form 6765 Preparation: Automated generation of completed Form 6765 and all supporting documentation needed to substantiate your R&D claim during filing or audit.
- Expert-Backed Support: Dedicated account managers and R&D tax credit specialists provide live working sessions, ensuring every dollar of eligible credit is captured.
- Enterprise-Grade Platform: SOC-2 certified security, expense imports, third-party integrations, project sampling, and subject matter expert sign-offs for large-scale R&D credit claims.
Use Cases
- A software startup uses Clarus R+D to claim up to $500,000 in R&D tax credits to offset payroll taxes and reinvest in product development.
- A mid-sized biotech company leverages the SMB plan to complete Form 6765, gather supporting documentation, and work with dedicated R&D experts to maximize their annual credit.
- A large auto glass repair enterprise uses the Enterprise plan with project sampling, time surveys, and subject matter expert sign-offs to claim $4.8M in R&D tax credits.
- An Atlanta-based CPA firm uses the Tax Practitioner platform to manage R&D tax credit studies for multiple clients, improving efficiency and compliance across their practice.
- A digital products company in the growth stage uses Clarus R+D's AI-enabled platform to identify qualifying R&D activities and claim $200K in non-dilutive tax credits to fund expansion.
Pros
- Combines Technology with Human Expertise: Unlike pure software tools, Clarus R+D pairs AI automation with dedicated tax credit experts, reducing errors and maximizing credit amounts.
- Serves All Business Sizes: Tiered plans cater to startups, SMBs, enterprises, and tax practitioners, making the R&D tax credit accessible regardless of company size or complexity.
- SOC-2 Certified Security: Enterprise-level data security ensures sensitive financial and R&D information is protected throughout the process.
- Free Entry Point: A no-cost eligibility check allows businesses to evaluate their potential credit before committing to a paid plan.
Cons
- Pricing Not Publicly Listed: The platform requires booking a consultation to get pricing details, which may slow decision-making for budget-conscious businesses.
- US-Focused: The platform is specifically designed for US federal and state R&D tax credits and ERTC, limiting its utility for international businesses.
- Eligibility Check Is Preliminary Only: The free eligibility check is not a comprehensive study and does not guarantee qualification or final credit amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the R&D tax credit and who qualifies?
The R&D tax credit is a US federal (and often state-level) incentive for companies that invest in developing or improving products, processes, or technologies. Businesses across many industries — from software and biotech to manufacturing and breweries — may qualify if they conduct qualifying research activities.
How much can a startup claim using Clarus R+D?
Eligible startups can claim up to $500,000 per year to offset payroll taxes through the R&D tax credit, making it a valuable non-dilutive funding source for early-stage companies.
Is the eligibility check really free?
Yes, the eligibility check is completely free. It evaluates your potential eligibility for federal and state R&D tax credits, provides industry-specific examples of qualifying activities, and gives an estimated credit amount. It is a preliminary assessment and not a comprehensive study.
What documentation does Clarus R+D help prepare?
Clarus R+D helps prepare IRS Form 6765 and all required supporting documentation to substantiate your R&D claim, including expense records, activity documentation, and subject matter expert sign-offs for enterprise clients.
Can CPAs and tax practitioners use Clarus R+D for their clients?
Yes, Clarus R+D offers a dedicated Tax Practitioner plan designed for CPAs and accounting firms. The platform was built by tax experts and includes tools to efficiently manage and maximize R&D tax credit claims across multiple client accounts.
