Unlock tax credits for your business.
You could save thousands for your business with tax credits. Get the tax savings you’re owed with Gusto for payroll.
Our proprietary software can identify eligible Research & Development, Retirement Plan, and FICA Tip tax credits
Work with a platform you trust with all of your data in one place
We've helped businesses unlock over $64M in tax credits last year¹
What is the Research and Development tax credit?
The Research and Development (R&D) tax credit is a tax incentive for companies that prioritize innovation. Any activity that is technological in nature and improves what you make or how you make it may qualify, which means businesses across many industries, including tech startups, sciences, consulting, manufacturing, and construction can benefit. This tax credit can meaningfully reduce your tax liability (think savings on employee wages, payments to contractors, or supplies) – that’s often tens of thousands in savings that can directly reduce your taxes.
Here’s a four-part test to see if your business may be is eligible.
What is the 401(k) tax credit?
Technically called the Credit for Small Employer Pension Plan Startup Costs, the 401(k) tax credit can reduce the amount of taxes you owe on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Eligible employers may be able to claim up to $5,000 for 3 years for the necessary costs of starting an SEP, SIMPLE IRA, or other 401(k) plan, with additional credits available for auto-enrolling and employer contributions.
Get the credit you deserve.
In-depth analysis, lightning fast
Gusto’s AI-powered tax credit software scans payroll data to identify eligible credits and quickly estimate your savings.
We handle the paperwork; you just review, approve, and file.
Fill out a quick questionnaire and verify your info. We’ll use that to pre-fill the appropriate tax documentation for you or your accountant to file with your tax return.
All-in-one with payroll for ease
Integrated data and reporting help ensure accuracy and compliance with IRS regulations. No separate vendors or reports to track down. No spreadsheets to reconcile or manual calculations. No added operational lift.
From software to breweries, many companies qualify
How Gusto helped Heckler Design claim $380,000 in qualified expenses.
This hardworking hardware company used Gusto’s R&D tax credit software to unlock game-changing savings they weren’t expecting. Here’s how they used it to keep business healthy during the pandemic.
Read case study
Payroll that pays you back.
If you’re already using Gusto’s all-in-one payroll platform, claiming tax credits couldn’t be easier. Here’s the best part:
Depending on which credits we help you claim, you could immediately use the credit to reduce income taxes, offset payroll taxes or the cost of offering a retirement plan, and/or reclaim a portion of the FICA taxes paid on tipped wages.
Extra credit
Curious to learn more about R&D tax credits? We’ve got you covered.
Explore more Gusto payroll offerings
¹Reflects total credits claimed across Gusto’s R&D and 401(k), based on internal data as of November 2025.
