2026 TAX CREDITS MOST CPAs DON’T PROACTIVELY OFFER BUT YOU SHOULD ASK ABOUT
- Our Impact Team
- Feb 13
- 2 min read
Tax credits reduce taxes dollar for dollar. Yet many business owners never hear about them. In 2026, credits require planning, documentation, and early action. Waiting until filing season eliminates access. Asking the right questions protects profit.
WHY TAX CREDITS GET MISSED
Credits demand proactive work. Many tax professionals focus on compliance, not strategy. Without early review, eligibility passes unnoticed. Credits reward intent, not hindsight.
TAX CREDITS BUSINESS OWNERS SHOULD ASK ABOUT IN 2026
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CREDIT
Applies beyond labs and tech firms. Product improvements, software updates, and process enhancements often qualify.
What to ask
Do our operational improvements qualify for R and D credits?
WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT
Rewards hiring from targeted groups. Eligibility depends on certification timing.
What to ask
Have we screened new hires for WOTC eligibility?
EMPLOYER PROVIDED CHILD CARE CREDIT
Supports businesses offering child care assistance or facilities.
What to ask
Do our benefits qualify for child care credits?
RETIREMENT PLAN STARTUP CREDIT
Offsets costs of establishing retirement plans.
What to ask
Are we maximizing credits tied to retirement plan setup?
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CLEAN ENERGY CREDITS
Applies to equipment, vehicles, and facility upgrades.
What to ask
Do recent purchases qualify for energy related credits?
PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE CREDIT
Supports employers offering paid leave programs.
What to ask
Does our leave policy meet credit requirements?
SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH CARE CREDIT
Applies to certain employer provided health plans.
What to ask
Does our benefit structure qualify?
STATE LEVEL TAX CREDITS
States offer location based, hiring, and investment credits.
What to ask
Are we claiming all available state credits?
WHY MOST CPAs DO NOT PROACTIVELY OFFER THESE
Credits require time and analysis. Documentation standards stay high. Many firms prioritize volume over advisory. Without a planning mindset, credits get skipped.
WHEN TO DISCUSS TAX CREDITS
Before hiring
Before equipment purchases
Before benefit changes
During growth planning
At quarterly reviews
Timing determines eligibility.
HOW TO PROTECT CREDIT ELIGIBILITY
Track qualifying activities
Maintain proper documentation
Coordinate decisions with tax planning
Review eligibility quarterly
Credits reward preparation.
WHAT STRATEGIC TAX CREDIT PLANNING LOOKS LIKE
Credits integrate with overall tax strategy.
Decisions align with cash flow and growth goals.
Compliance supports defensibility.
Planning replaces assumptions.
How We Can Help
The Loomis Reddick and Bishop Impact Team helps business owners identify, qualify, and document tax credits. Our team integrates credits into proactive tax planning and financial strategy.
Contact Us
Reach out to the Loomis Reddick and Bishop Impact Team for support and further assistance. Stop missing credits and protect every dollar available to your business in 2026.
We Transform Your Vision Into Reality, Empowering You to Thrive & Go Further Faster!
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