Aviation

The aviation industry is rapidly evolving to meet a number of industry challenges, from enhancing safety in an increasingly crowded airspace to satisfying public demands for a reduced carbon footprint. Research and development (R&D) in the aviation industry encompasses innovations in software, engineering, design, and manufacturing, almost all of which qualify for the R&D tax credit. Credits are offered at the federal and state levels, and many companies reinvest the capital to spur continued growth and innovation.

Employee wages, raw materials and supplies, cloud computer rental, and third-party contractor costs associated with R&D activities are considered qualified research expenses (QREs). Companies can receive refunds of up to 22% of total QREs through federal and state tax credits, depending on the state in which your business operates.

Examples of qualifying activities: 

• Developing eVTOL aircraft
• Designing 3D models, prototypes, or first articles
• Developing new composite materials for airline shells, engines, or cabins
• Creating reduced- or zero-emissions propulsion systems
• Innovating cabin design features (e.g. storage, seating, lighting, lavatories, gallies)
• Improving airport construction methodology or design
• Integrating enhanced telemetry and communication systems
• Performing tests on novel asphalt or other runway materials
• Refining data analytics to improve air safety
  

Do you have these job titles on your payroll, or do you hire third-party contractors to do these jobs? 

• Aerodynamics Engineers
• Aircraft Performance Engineers
• Architects
• Cyber Security Personnel
• Design Engineers
• Electrical Engineers
• Flight Control Engineers
• Materials Scientists
• Mechanical Engineers
• Software Developers

Use our R&D Tax Calculator to estimate your potential benefit, and partner with Strike to claim your tax benefits with no up-front costs. Contact one of our experts today.