Immediate R&D Expensing for Small Businesses: OBBBA Section 174A Explained

By Laura Dohanes, CPA - September 9, 2025 

Immediate R&D expensing for small businesses is finally here.

Let’s make sure you get what’s yours. 💥

If your business has ever spent money developing software, testing products, or doing anything remotely close to research and development here in the U.S., this is for you.

What Changed: Immediate R&D Expensing for Small Businesses

The IRS used to make you stretch those R&D expenses out over five years. You’d spend the money now… but wait years to get the tax break. Now they’ve issued official guidance (Revenue Procedure 2025-28) allowing businesses to immediately deduct those R&D costs under Section 174A.

Under OBBBA Section 174A, small businesses (with under $31 million in average revenue) can write off all of those R&D costs right away—including retroactively.

Why This Matters for You

👉 If you paid tax in 2022 or 2023, you might be eligible for a refund from these new R&D tax write-offs.
👉 If you're spending on R&D this year, you could save big on your 2024 taxes.

And real talk… if you’re not doing R&D in some form—especially with AI evolving like crazy—you’re leaving opportunity (and cash) on the table.

We’re seeing five- and six-figure refunds for clients who didn’t even realize they qualified.

Action Steps to Take

✅ Talk to your CPA and ask them to review your 2022 and 2023 returns.
(If they look confused, you might need a new one. 🙂)

✅ Pull together any expenses tied to product development, software, engineering, etc.

✅ Ask about filing an amended return to claim what you're owed.

⚠️ Heads up: Refund windows have deadlines. Once they close, that money’s gone.

If you want help sorting this out—or need someone to speak your CPA’s language for you—just schedule a free tax strategy session.

Immediate R&D Expensing for Small Businesses

This is the tax code now. If you qualify, you’ve earned it. Let’s go get it.

Read related content!

Laura Dohanes, CPA

Laura Dohanes, CPA

Founder, My CPA Pro, P.C.  ·  California CPA License #129889  ·  Verify

Laura has spent more than two decades in the small business world as a tax strategist and fractional CFO, helping owners across the United States pay less tax and build lasting wealth. Her practice spans advanced tax planning, entity structuring, accounting, and CFO-level financial strategy, and she has represented more than 3,000 clients in federal and state tax audits. She also teaches financial literacy to young people, on the conviction that understanding money early changes what someone believes is possible.

Schedule a strategy session →

COPYRIGHT © MYCPAPRO™ 2026

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram