Our Team of R&D Tax Specialists
Author: Jess Doocey | Published: March 13, 2026
Answer Capsule: Who makes up the Swanson Reed Team?
Our Team at Swanson Reed is a highly specialized, multidisciplinary group of professionals dedicated exclusively to Research and Development (R&D) tax incentives. Because successfully claiming and defending an R&D tax credit requires more than just standard accounting, our team is comprised of tax CPAs, enrolled agents, tax attorneys, and industry-specific engineers (including software developers, aerospace experts, and biomedical scientists). This unique integration of technical and financial expertise allows us to seamlessly bridge the gap between complex tax legislation—like IRC Section 41—and the cutting-edge innovations occurring within our clients’ businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Technical Expertise: Our engineers speak the same language as your technical staff, allowing us to accurately identify and document qualified research activities.
- Financial Precision: Our tax CPAs and financial experts meticulously trace qualified research expenses (QREs) to maximize your legitimate return.
- Collaborative Approach: We assign dedicated, cross-functional teams to every client, ensuring both the scientific and financial elements of your claim are perfectly aligned and audit-ready.
Our Multidisciplinary Structure
| Team Division | Core Functions | Client Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering & Science | Conducting technical interviews and writing scientific substantiation reports. | Ensures all projects meet the strict IRC Section 41 four-part test. |
| Tax & Accounting | Calculating base periods, tracing QREs, and completing federal/state tax forms. | Maximizes the financial value of the claim while maintaining total compliance. |
| Audit Defense & Legal | Managing Information Document Requests (IDRs) and representing clients to the IRS. | Provides robust protection and risk mitigation in the event of an examination. |
The Professionals Driving Your Innovation Strategy
At Swanson Reed, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to tax advisory. We build our project teams based on the specific industry, technology, and financial profile of your business.
1. The Engineering Advantage
A generalist accountant cannot effectively evaluate the complexities of artificial intelligence algorithms, CNC machining processes, or biochemical formulations. That is why our team includes industry-trained engineers and subject matter experts. They conduct peer-to-peer interviews with your technical staff, minimizing the disruption to your operations while ensuring every qualifying technical nuance is captured and translated into IRS-compliant documentation.
2. The Tax and Controversy Experts
Once the technical baseline is established, our specialized CPAs and tax attorneys take over the financial architecture of your claim. They meticulously review payroll records, general ledgers, and contractor invoices to trace every eligible dollar. Furthermore, our seasoned tax controversy experts proactively structure your deliverables to anticipate and neutralize potential IRS or state-level audit triggers before the claim is even filed.
3. Dedicated Account Management
We pride ourselves on white-glove client service. From the initial feasibility assessment through to the final delivery of your audit-ready report, you will have a dedicated project manager. This ensures a seamless flow of communication, strict adherence to project timelines, and absolute transparency regarding the status and projected value of your R&D tax credit.
