Articles 3 min read

How Apparel Companies Can Benefit from the R&D Tax Credit

Tyler-Collins_Web
Tyler Collins
Austin Jensen
Austin Jensen
Darcey Long
Darcey Long
R&D Tax Credits
Tax Credits
Industrial and Consumer Products
Retail

When most people think of research and development (“R&D”), industries like technology, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing typically come to mind. However, many apparel companies are performing activities that qualify for the R&D Tax Credit every day, often without realizing it.

As the apparel industry continues to evolve, companies are moving beyond aesthetics and focusing on performance, functionality and innovation, all of which can create meaningful opportunities to benefit from the R&D Tax Credit.

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Understanding the R&D Tax Credit

The federal R&D Tax Credit, codified under Internal Revenue Code Section 41, is designed to reward U.S. companies that invest in the development of new or improved products, processes, techniques, formulas, inventions or software. For eligible businesses, the credit can be used to offset income tax liability dollar-for-dollar, and for many start-up companies, payroll taxes as well.

Businesses with less than $5 million in gross receipts in the current taxable year and no gross receipts prior to the fifth preceding taxable year may qualify as a Qualified Small Business (“QSB”). QSBs can apply up to $500,000 of the R&D Tax Credit annually against payroll tax liability (i.e., FICA and Medicare), creating an immediate cash‑flow benefit even if the company is not yet profitable.

How Apparel Companies Are Performing R&D

While apparel is often associated with style and branding, many companies are engaged in technical development and experimentation that may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit.

Apparel companies are frequently developing new materials to improve comfort and performance. These efforts may include:

  • Testing new fabric blends for stretch, durability, or breathability
  • Improving moisture-wicking or temperature regulation properties
  • Evaluating sustainability-focused materials such as recycled fibers

Developing and/or enhancing fabric performance involves material science and testing, which can qualify for the R&D Tax Credit.

Beyond aesthetics, apparel companies often engineer garments to improve how they function in real-world conditions.

Examples include:

  • Improving fit to prevent riding, bunching or discomfort
  • Redesigning seams, waistbands or closures for durability
  • Developing compression or support features

Creating prototypes and testing alternative designs to improve performance is a recognized qualifying activity for the R&D Tax Credit in the apparel industry.

Many apparel companies also invest in improving how their products are made.

This may include:

  • Creating production processes for new materials
  • Improving efficiency and reducing production waste
  • Testing new finishing or treatment methods

Process improvements and manufacturing innovation are common qualifying activities for the R&D Tax Credit.

In addition to physical products, apparel businesses often develop technologies to support operations, such as:

  • E-commerce platforms
  • Engineering and optimization of inventory control and supply chain platforms, including system architecture, automation, and data flow improvements
  • Product design and modeling

When these systems are designed in-house and involve technical challenges and iterative development, they may also qualify for the R&D Tax Credit.

What Does Not Qualify

It is important to distinguish between technical innovation and routine business activity.

Generally, the following activities do not qualify for the R&D Tax Credit in the apparel industry:

The key differentiator is whether the work involves technical uncertainty and a process of experimentation, not simply design preference.

Why the R&D Tax Credit Matters

Many apparel companies are already investing heavily in innovation to remain competitive. The R&D Tax Credit provides an opportunity to:

Despite this, the credit remains significantly underutilized in the apparel industry due to the misconception that it only applies to traditional “lab-based” research.

Final Thoughts and How Withum Can Help

Today’s apparel companies are increasingly driven by innovation in materials, engineering, and performance. As a result, many are performing qualifying R&D activities as part of their standard product development processes.

Understanding how these activities align with IRS requirements is critical to maximizing available incentives while maintaining audit-ready documentation. If your organization is investing in improving fabrics, enhancing product performance, or optimizing manufacturing processes, there may be an opportunity to benefit from the R&D Tax Credit.

research and development

Maximize Your R&D Tax Credit Opportunity

Many businesses qualify for the R&D Tax Credit but don’t fully capture its benefits. Withum’s complimentary 30-minute R&D Tax Credit Assessment helps you quickly determine eligibility and potential value.

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