Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-Founder & COO of Lyra Biopharmaceuticals

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Lyra Biopharmaceuticals is a life sciences company dedicated to the research and development of innovative cellular therapies for autoimmune diseases.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors to accomplish?

• As a biotech firm, a vast majority of our capital is spent on lab-based experimentation and clinical testing. We hired Swanson Reed to assist us in claiming R&D tax credits. Our primary goals were to ensure our scientific activities were correctly categorized under tax law, to manage the complex documentation required for pharmaceutical research, and to maximize our claim value to support our ongoing R&D cycles.

SOLUTION

How did you find Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Referral

Why did you select Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Swanson Reed provided a comprehensive end-to-end service. Their team, which includes technical experts who understand the life sciences, conducted a deep dive into our lab records and project timelines. They identified qualifying activities within our drug formulation and stability testing phases. They handled all the technical report writing, expense calculations, and the final submission to the tax authorities, providing us with a clear audit trail.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The outcomes were highly impactful for our company's runway. Swanson Reed successfully secured a tax credit that was significantly higher than our initial internal projections. This cash infusion was critical in allowing us to accelerate our next phase of clinical trials. Furthermore, the rigorous documentation they prepared has fortified our financial compliance and provided a scalable model for our future R&D claims.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their project management was exceptionally professional and highly structured. They established a clear timeline for data collection and technical interviews, ensuring minimal disruption to our scientific team. They provided weekly updates on the progress of our claim and were always available to answer technical questions. Their ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and tax compliance is where they truly excel.

What was your primary form of communication with Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The most impressive aspect of Swanson Reed is their technical depth. They didn't just look at our balance sheet; they understood the science behind our R&D projects. Their specialized focus on R&D tax credits means they have a level of expertise that general accounting firms simply cannot match. Their ability to translate complex biological research into a compliant tax narrative is what makes them a vital partner for any biotech firm.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors could have done differently?

The experience was seamless from start to finish. While a more centralized digital dashboard for tracking the real-time status of our claim would be a helpful future addition, the high level of personal service and technical expertise they provided far outweighed any minor technical preferences. We were very pleased with the results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CTO & Co-Founder of DataNexus Solutions

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

DataNexus Solutions develops advanced cloud-based analytics and data management software for enterprise clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors to accomplish?

• As a software firm, a large portion of our budget goes into experimental development and solving technical uncertainties in our code. We hired Swanson Reed to help us claim the R&D Tax Credit. Our goals were to accurately identify qualifying software development activities, ensure our documentation met IRS standards, and maximize the tax relief to help fund our next phase of product development.

SOLUTION

How did you find Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Referral

Why did you select Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors over others?

• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Swanson Reed conducted a thorough technical review of our software projects. Their specialists interviewed our lead engineers to understand the specific 'technical challenges' we faced during development. They handled the entire process: documenting our R&D activities, calculating the qualifying expenditure, and preparing the final technical reports for our tax filing. They also provided a framework for us to better track R&D hours moving forward.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The outcomes were highly professional and accurate. Swanson Reed identified nearly 20% more in qualifying expenses than our previous accountant had estimated. The resulting tax credit provided us with a significant cash injection, which we immediately reinvested into hiring more developers. Their detailed reports also gave our board total confidence in the compliance and accuracy of our filings.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their project management was streamlined and very respectful of our time. They used efficient communication channels and didn't overwhelm our engineering team with unnecessary paperwork. They were clear about the evidence needed, met every deadline, and kept us informed through each stage of the claim preparation. Their technical background meant they understood our software terminology without constant explanation.

What was your primary form of communication with Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stands out is their 'technical-first' approach. Unlike general tax firms, Swanson Reed actually has people who understand software engineering and the R&D criteria. They were able to translate our complex development sprints into a compliant tax narrative effortlessly. Their niche expertise in R&D tax credits makes them a far superior choice for tech companies than a generalist accounting firm.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors could have done differently?

Our experience was very smooth. While a more digital way to upload and tag our project documentation would be a nice future update, their team’s direct involvement and expertise more than made up for it. We are very satisfied with their work and will continue to use them for future claims.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Director of Ironclad Construction & Design

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Ironclad Construction & Design provides end-to-end construction management and specialized engineering solutions for industrial and commercial projects.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors to accomplish?

• Our firm develops proprietary construction methods and tests new material durability, which involves significant technical experimentation. We hired Swanson Reed to conduct a technical audit and identify qualifying R&D tax credits. Our objective was to maximize our tax recovery through an expert-led process that could withstand rigorous compliance checks.

SOLUTION

How did you find Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Online Search

Why did you select Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Swanson Reed provided a full-service R&D tax credit assessment. They reviewed our engineering blueprints and technical project logs to pinpoint activities that met the criteria for innovation. Their team prepared the entire technical narrative for our claim and calculated the qualified research expenses (QREs). They also provided a detailed documentation package to ensure we were fully prepared for any future IRS audits.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The outcomes were outstanding. Swanson Reed identified a substantial amount of R&D tax credits that our general accounting firm had previously missed. This provided us with a significant cash benefit that we reinvested into our site-safety R&D program. Their work gave us a clear, documented audit trail and saved our internal team hundreds of hours in documentation.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their project management was very professional and technically driven. They used a streamlined system to gather data from our project managers without disrupting our active construction sites. Communication was consistent via monthly status calls and prompt email updates. They met every deadline and ensured our claim was filed well before the year-end cutoff.

What was your primary form of communication with Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stands out is their technical expertise. Swanson Reed isn't just an accounting firm; they are R&D specialists who understand the complexities of construction engineering. Their ability to translate our physical building innovations into tax-eligible narratives is remarkable. Their focus on risk management and technical accuracy provided us with great confidence in the integrity of our claim.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors could have done differently?

The partnership was extremely productive. While a more automated digital dashboard for tracking the real-time status of each project narrative would be a nice future addition, their team was so responsive that we were always well-informed throughout the process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the VP of Engineering of Terra-Smart Analytics

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Terra-Smart Analytics develops advanced IoT-based soil sensors and automated data visualization platforms for large-scale agricultural operations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors to accomplish?

• We were developing a new low-power sensor network that could withstand extreme weather conditions, which required multiple rounds of technical prototyping. We hired Swanson Reed to evaluate our R&D projects, identify qualifying activities, and ensure we were correctly capturing all eligible expenses for our tax incentive claims.

SOLUTION

How did you find Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Referral

Why did you select Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors over others?

• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Swanson Reed conducted a thorough technical review of our engineering sprints. Their consultants interviewed our lead hardware and software developers to document the technical uncertainties we faced during the design phase. They prepared the comprehensive technical narratives, calculated the qualified research expenses (QREs), and managed the entire application process to ensure full compliance with the tax code.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The collaboration was highly successful. They secured a substantial tax credit that significantly improved our operational cash flow. Their meticulous reporting allowed us to identify nearly 15% more in eligible research costs than our previous internal estimates. This additional capital has allowed us to accelerate our latest autonomous drone project by several months.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their project management was very professional and highly disciplined. They have a strong understanding of technical workflows, which meant they didn't need us to explain the basic engineering concepts. They set clear expectations, hit every deadline, and kept us updated through regular status reports. The entire process was efficient and required minimal oversight from our side.

What was your primary form of communication with Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stands out most is their technical competence in specialized industries like AgTech. Most tax firms only look at the financial statements, but Swanson Reed’s specialists actually understand the engineering hurdles we solve. This 'tech-first' approach ensured that our technical narratives were scientifically accurate and robust enough to withstand any potential audit.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors could have done differently?

Happy with the outcome. A more integrated digital platform for real-time document exchange would be a beneficial upgrade for future projects, but their manual coordination and responsiveness were so high that it didn't negatively impact the project flow at all.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Operations Director of Helios Green Energy Systems

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Helios Green Energy Systems designs and manufactures high-efficiency solar energy components and advanced power storage solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors to accomplish?

We were heavily invested in the research and development of a new thermal-resistant coating for our solar cells. We hired Swanson Reed to help us identify eligible R&D activities within our engineering workflow and to manage the complex application process for tax incentives to offset our high development costs.

SOLUTION

How did you find Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Referral

Why did you select Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Swanson Reed conducted a thorough technical audit of our laboratory and production projects. Their specialists interviewed our lead engineers to document the technical uncertainties we encountered during the prototyping phase. They then prepared a detailed technical narrative and calculated our qualifying expenditure, managing the entire claim submission process to ensure we maximized our benefits.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

They successfully secured a substantial tax credit that significantly boosted our reinvestment capacity for future research projects. Their technical report was so precise that it allowed us to claim 15% more in R&D offsets than we had initially anticipated. This cash flow was crucial for our latest phase of product testing.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their project management was exemplary and highly disciplined. They spoke the language of engineering, which made it very easy for our technical team to provide the necessary data. They hit every deadline and provided a clear, step-by-step roadmap of the claim process. Their team was always available for consultations and handled all documentation with great care.

What was your primary form of communication with Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The most impressive thing about them is their technical literacy in the energy sector. Most accounting firms only focus on the numbers, but Swanson Reed’s consultants understood the complexities of our solar research. This expertise ensured that our technical narratives were scientifically accurate and audit-ready.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors could have done differently?

The experience was very smooth and professional. A slightly more modern client portal for real-time document status tracking would be a beneficial upgrade, but their manual communication and coordination were still excellent.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Precision Auto-Bots Ltd.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Precision Auto-Bots Ltd. specializes in the design, development, and integration of advanced robotic automation systems for large-scale manufacturing plants.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors to accomplish?

• We were developing a new generation of high-precision sensors for our robotic units, which involved significant technical experimentation. We hired Swanson Reed to help us identify and document our qualifying R&D activities and to navigate the complexities of claiming tax credits for our research expenditures.

SOLUTION

How did you find Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Referral

Why did you select Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors over others?

• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Swanson Reed’s specialists conducted a deep technical audit of our prototyping and testing phases. They interviewed our senior engineers to capture the technical uncertainties we faced during development. They handled the entire process, including preparing the technical narratives and calculating our eligible costs, ensuring our submission was robust and compliant with tax regulations.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

They successfully secured a substantial tax credit that provided us with the necessary liquidity to expand our testing laboratory. Their precise documentation allowed us to claim nearly 20% more in credits than we had previously forecasted. The entire process was seamless and did not distract our internal team from their core engineering tasks.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their project management was outstanding and highly efficient. They demonstrated a deep understanding of engineering workflows, which made the data collection process very smooth. They adhered to all deadlines and provided regular, clear updates on the status of our claim. Their professionalism was evident throughout the engagement.

What was your primary form of communication with Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The most impressive thing is their technical literacy. Unlike typical tax firms, Swanson Reed has experts who actually understand the mechanics of robotics and automation. This allowed them to translate our complex engineering work into a strong technical report for the tax authorities without any loss of detail.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors could have done differently?

We are very satisfied with their service. A slightly more modern digital interface for uploading sensitive financial documents would be a great addition, but their manual handling was very secure and professional anyway.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Operations of Nexa-Flow Manufacturing Solutions

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Nexa-Flow Manufacturing Solutions designs and produces high-precision industrial components and automated machinery for the energy and manufacturing sectors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors to accomplish?

• We were in the middle of a major R&D phase for a new line of thermal-resistant alloys. We hired Swanson Reed to help us identify which parts of our engineering process were eligible for tax incentives and to manage the entire application process to ensure we received the maximum tax offset possible.

SOLUTION

How did you find Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Referral

Why did you select Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Swanson Reed conducted a thorough technical assessment of our production facility. Their consultants interviewed our lead engineers to document the technical uncertainties we encountered. They prepared all the necessary technical narrative reports, calculated our eligible R&D expenditure, and handled the submission to the tax authorities from start to finish.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The collaboration resulted in a substantial tax credit that was significantly higher than we had initially estimated. Their detailed audit gave us the confidence that our claim was 100% compliant. This additional capital allowed us to reinvest in a new laboratory and upgrade our testing equipment, directly supporting our future growth.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their project management was very professional and highly disciplined. They set clear timelines and stuck to them. Even though our technical documentation was complex, they were able to distill it into a clear report for the tax authorities. Communication was always transparent, and they were very responsive to our questions.

What was your primary form of communication with Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stands out most about Swanson Reed is their technical expertise. They didn't just look at our spreadsheets; they actually understood the engineering challenges we were solving. This 'technical-first' approach is quite unique for a tax firm and gave us peace of mind throughout the project.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors could have done differently?

The experience was very efficient. I would suggest adding a dedicated portal for real-time document tracking, but their manual updates via email were so consistent that it wasn't a major issue. Overall, an excellent service.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Director of Precision Alloy Solutions

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Precision Alloy Solutions is a specialized manufacturing firm that develops high-performance metal components and custom alloys for the energy and aerospace sectors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors to accomplish?

• We were investing heavily in developing a new heat-treatment process for aerospace alloys. We hired Swanson Reed to help us navigate the complex R&D tax incentive landscape and ensure that our technical documentation met the rigorous standards required to claim tax credits.

SOLUTION

How did you find Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Referral

Why did you select Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Swanson Reed conducted a detailed review of our manufacturing logs and technical milestones. They interviewed our lead engineers to identify eligible R&D activities under the tax code. They then prepared the technical narrative reports and calculated the qualified research expenses (QREs), managing the entire claim submission process from start to finish.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The result was a significant tax offset that directly boosted our annual cash flow. They identified nearly 15% more eligible expenditure than our internal accountants had originally estimated. The technical report was comprehensive and audit-proof, giving us complete confidence in our filing.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Their team was very organized and followed a strict timeline. They understood our manufacturing jargon, which made communication very efficient. Every deliverable was submitted on time, and they were always proactive in asking for the specific data they needed to strengthen our claim.

What was your primary form of communication with Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their team was very organized and followed a strict timeline. They understood our manufacturing jargon, which made communication very efficient. Every deliverable was submitted on time, and they were always proactive in asking for the specific data they needed to strengthen our claim.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors could have done differently?

We had a very positive experience. Providing a slightly more streamlined digital document portal could enhance the initial data collection phase, but overall, their service was top-notch.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Director of Precision Automate

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Precision Automate specializes in designing custom robotic assembly lines and automated material handling systems for the automotive and aerospace industries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors to accomplish?

• We develop complex, high-risk automation prototypes that involve significant technical trial and error. We hired Swanson Reed to lead a formal R&D tax credit study. Our goal was to identify which phases of our robotic prototyping—specifically our work on sensor integration and low-latency motor controls qualified for federal and state tax incentives.

SOLUTION

How did you find Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Referral

Why did you select Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Swanson Reed managed the entire lifecycle of our R&D claim. They began by auditing our shop-floor technical logs and interviewing our lead mechanical engineers to isolate 'qualified research activities.' They utilized their TaxTrex platform to streamline our data collection, ensuring that time spent on failed prototypes was also captured. Finally, their team calculated the QREs (Qualified Research Expenses) and drafted a robust technical report that underwent their signature Six-Eye Review to ensure audit protection.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Successfully claimed a six-figure tax credit that significantly offset our prototype development costs."
"Increased our R&D recovery by 22% compared to our previous generalist accountant's estimates."
"Established a structured, repeatable process for tracking engineering hours that meets all IRS compliance standards."
"The final report was delivered two weeks before the tax filing deadline, allowing for a thorough internal review.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project management at Swanson Reed was highly structured and professional. They operated with a clear timeline that respected our busy manufacturing schedule.

Timeliness: They were exceptionally punctual. Our R&D tax claim was finalized and ready for submission nearly two weeks before the deadline. They managed to hit every milestone—from the initial technical walkthrough to the final financial audit—without a single delay.

Responsiveness: Their communication was excellent. Whenever our engineering team had a question about how to categorize a specific robotic prototype or custom PLC logic under the R&D criteria, Swanson Reed’s specialists provided clear, technical answers within a few hours.

Approach: What I appreciated most was their ability to handle the heavy lifting. They didn't just dump a list of requirements on us; they actively participated in our shop-floor reviews to extract the necessary data, making the process low-friction and highly efficient for my operations team.

What was your primary form of communication with Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The most impressive aspect of Swanson Reed is their deep industry-specific technical knowledge. Unlike traditional accounting firms that often struggle to grasp the complexities of mechanical engineering and robotics, their team actually speaks our language. They understood the nuances of our PLC programming and custom robotic integration immediately.

Their Six-Eye Review process is truly unique and provided our board with the peace of mind that our claim was technically sound and audit-ready. Additionally, their creditARMOR assurance is a standout feature in the industry it shows they are willing to stand behind their work. They don’t just provide a service; they provide a defensible, high-quality technical narrative that accurately reflects our innovation.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors could have done differently?

Our experience with Swanson Reed was overwhelmingly positive and their technical expertise is clear. If I had to suggest one minor area for improvement, it would be the initial onboarding documentation. For a fast-moving manufacturing firm, the initial list of data requirements can feel a bit extensive. A more automated way to pull data from industrial project management tools would be a great future enhancement. That said, their consultants were incredibly helpful in walking us through the process, so it was a very minor hurdle in an otherwise flawless engagement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-Founder & CTO of FinTech Edge

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

FinTech Edge is a financial technology startup that develops highly secure, encrypted payment gateways and cross-border transaction infrastructures for modern digital businesses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors to accomplish?

• We are a startup building encrypted payment gateways. Because we spend a lot on solving complex security and latency issues, we knew we were eligible for R&D tax credits but didn't know how to document them properly. We hired Swanson Reed to help us identify these R&D activities, calculate our spend, and file a claim that would help us recoup some of our development costs to reinvest in our product.

SOLUTION

How did you find Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

Referral

Why did you select Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Swanson Reed handled the entire R&D study. First, their technical specialists met with our developers to review our sprints and 'uncertainties' in our encryption algorithms. They then quantified our costs, including employee salaries and cloud-server testing expenses. They used their TaxTrex portal to collect our data securely and drafted the final technical narrative for our tax submission. They also provided a risk assessment to ensure our claim was conservative and defensible.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Successfully secured a $38,000 tax credit for our first year of filing."
"Discovered 15% more eligible projects that our general accountant had missed."
"Saved our engineering team roughly 12 hours of manual documentation work through their streamlined process."
"Provided us with a clear roadmap for tracking R&D expenses in real-time for the next year.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Swanson Reed’s project management was streamlined and perfectly suited for a fast-paced startup environment. They followed a clear, phase-based roadmap that ensured we were never overwhelmed with data requests.

Timeliness: They were incredibly punctual, meeting all our internal milestones and ensuring the final report was ready weeks before our tax filing deadline.

Responsiveness: Their team was highly accessible. Whenever we needed clarification on how a specific encryption project fit into the R&D criteria, they responded almost instantly with clear, technical explanations.

Adaptability: They integrated seamlessly with our existing workflows. Instead of demanding complex documentation, they adapted to our sprint logs and technical specs, making the entire process efficient and low-friction for our engineering team.

What was your primary form of communication with Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The most impressive thing about Swanson Reed is their genuine technical literacy. As a CTO, I’ve dealt with many accountants who struggle to grasp the complexities of 'high-level encryption' or 'low-latency infrastructures,' but the team at Swanson Reed actually understood the engineering behind our product.

Their 'Six-Eye Review' process is also incredibly unique—it gave our board a high level of confidence knowing that our claim was scrutinized by technical, scientific, and financial experts before submission. They don’t just fill out tax forms; they act as a sophisticated bridge between our dev team and the tax authorities, ensuring that our innovation is translated into the right financial language.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Swanson Reed | Specialist R&D Tax Advisors could have done differently?

The overall experience was excellent, and the financial results exceeded our initial expectations. If I had to suggest one minor area for improvement, it would be the initial data collection portal's user interface. While highly secure and functional, a more modern, intuitive dashboard for uploading multi-format technical logs would enhance the user experience for our engineering leads even further. However, whenever we had a question, their support team was quick to step in and assist, so it never delayed our progress.