What affects the cost
Four things move the price
The same four things shape the work involved in a study.
Number of projects
More projects mean more interviews, narratives and records to review.
Years claimed
Claiming prior years adds work for each open year.
State of your records
Clear project lists, time records and test notes make the work faster.
Complexity of the work
Software, engineering and custom builds take more explaining than simple process changes.
How firms charge
Common ways to pay for a study
You will see these models across the industry. Each has trade-offs.
Contingency
The fee is a percentage of the credit you receive. Little or nothing is paid if there is no credit. Check what is excluded and how the percentage is applied.
Fixed fee
A set price agreed in advance, whatever the credit turns out to be. Easy to budget, so ask what is included.
Hourly or hybrid
Hourly billing, or a mix of a fixed part and a result-based part. Ask for a cap or estimate in writing.
Before you sign
Questions to ask any firm
Good answers are specific and in writing.
How will you charge, and is that in writing before work starts?
Who does the work, and does a CPA review it?
What is in the file: narratives, calculations and Form 6765 support?
What happens if the IRS asks questions later?
What is excluded or billed separately?
What happens if my work does not qualify?
Ask how we charge
We explain our fee terms in writing before you commit to anything. The screening is free.
FAQ
Pricing questions
Straight answers on cost.