Research and Development Tax Credit

research and development tax credit louisiana lab innovation

Louisiana’s Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit encourages businesses to establish or expand innovation within the state by providing up to a 30% tax credit on qualified research expenditures. With no minimum spending requirement, the program makes R&D more accessible and cost-effective for companies of all sizes operating in Louisiana.

Qualifications:

  • Research must qualify as a business deduction under Internal Revenue Code §174.
  • Activities must be technological in nature.
  • Research must be aimed at developing new or improved business components.
  • At least 80% of activities must involve a process of experimentation.

Qualified Research Expenses:

  • Wages: For qualified services directly related to the research activities.
  • Supplies: Tangible property consumed during research or used to develop prototypes.
  • Contract Research: Payments to outside consultants performing qualified research (only Louisiana expenditures qualify; 65% of these costs are eligible).

Contact:

Shamelda Pete — Program Administrator, Innovation & Small Business
spete@la.gov
225-342-5341

Kelly Raney — Business Development Manager, Innovation & Small Business
kelly.raney@la.gov
225-342-0411

For more information, visit the Research and Development Tax Credit.