Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Let’s Fix That.
You’ve put in the late nights, built something from the ground up, and now you’re focused on scaling your startup. But let’s be real. Taxes probably weren’t on your list of “fun things to think about.”
And that’s where a lot of founders slip up.
Did you know you could be sitting on thousands of dollars in tax credits and deductions without even realizing it?
At Insogna CPA, a trusted Austin, Texas CPA firm, we help startups and small businesses legally minimize their tax burden and unlock hidden savings. From R&D tax credits to startup deductions, we make sure you’re not paying more than you actually owe.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify for tax savings, you probably do. Let’s break it down.
Why Most Startups Overpay in Taxes (And How to Avoid It)
The tax code is designed to help startups but only if you know where to look. Here’s why so many founders overpay or miss out on free money:
- They assume R&D tax credits are only for billion-dollar companies.
- They don’t track deductible startup expenses properly.
- They rely on generic tax software that misses key credits.
- They don’t work with a CPA who actually understands startup tax strategy.
If any of that sounds like you, you’re not alone. But it’s time to fix it.
1. Claim the R&D Tax Credit (Even If You’re Pre-Revenue!)
Think R&D tax credits are just for tech giants? Nope. If your startup is working on new technology, developing software, or improving products or processes, you probably qualify.
What Expenses Qualify for R&D Credits?
- Employee wages for engineers, developers, or technical staff
- Software development (custom apps, SaaS, automation tools)
- Prototyping & product testing
- Cloud computing costs for AI and software builds
- Patent-related legal fees
Pro Tip: Even if you’re pre-revenue, you might be able to offset up to $500,000 in payroll taxes using R&D credits. That’s real money you can reinvest into growth.
How Insogna CPA Helps:
- Identify every qualifying R&D expense
- Maximize your tax credit calculation
- Ensure IRS compliance so you don’t trigger an audit
Not sure if you qualify? Let’s find out. Schedule a consultation today!
2. Deduct Your Startup Costs (Before You Forget About Them!)
The IRS allows startups to deduct up to $5,000 in startup costs in their first year and if you spent more, you can amortize the rest over time.
What Counts as a Deductible Startup Expense?
- Legal & filing fees for forming an LLC or corporation
- Market research & competitor analysis
- Branding, website development & software tools
- Business software & SaaS subscriptions
- Hiring consultants, accountants, or business advisors
Pro Tip: If your startup isn’t profitable yet, proper deductions can reduce your future tax liability when you do start making money.
How Insogna CPA Helps:
- Ensure every eligible expense is deducted
- Structure deductions for maximum future tax savings
- File startup tax incentives properly, avoiding IRS red flags
Not tracking the right expenses? Let’s fix that. Book a call today.
3. Set Up a Tax Plan That Saves You Money Long-Term
Most startups are in survival mode during year one, but setting up a smart tax strategy early can save you thousands in the long run.
Top Tax-Saving Moves for Startups:
- Consider an S-Corp election if profits exceed $50K (this can slash self-employment taxes)
- Use tax-advantaged retirement accounts to reduce taxable income
- Leverage depreciation & Section 179 deductions for business assets
- Plan ahead for multi-state tax compliance if you’re hiring remote employees
How Insogna CPA Helps:
- Guide you on LLC vs. S-Corp vs. C-Corp tax implications
- Optimize payroll tax strategies for founders & employees
- Create a year-round tax plan that scales with your startup
Taxes shouldn’t hold your startup back. Book a strategy session today!
Final Thoughts: Keep More of Your Hard-Earned Money
If you’re a startup founder and you’re not leveraging R&D tax credits, startup deductions, and proactive tax planning, you’re giving away money that could be fueling your growth...
At Insogna CPA, a leading Austin tax accountant for startups, we help founders:
- Claim R&D credits for product development & software engineering
- Deduct startup costs properly to lower tax liability
- Structure their business to maximize tax savings
Don’t leave money on the table—book a tax planning consultation with Insogna CPA today!