We work with companies whose teams are building, improving, testing, and solving hard technical problems — often without realizing they may qualify for meaningful tax incentives. Our role is to translate that innovation into a well-supported credit study: technically grounded, clearly documented, and prepared for long-term reliability.
About Alexander & Blake
A specialist advisory firm built around disciplined R&D credit work.
Our Practice
Built on National Advisory Firm Methodology
Alexander & Blake brings national advisory firm methodology to a focused R&D credit practice. The work covers eligibility analysis, technical interviews, business component mapping, QRE modeling, project narratives, methodology documentation, and CPA-ready study preparation for companies across manufacturing, software, engineering, construction, and process-improvement environments.
The firm exists to bring national-firm R&D credit discipline to South Carolina businesses and the CPA firms that serve them — through a focused, documentation-first advisory model.
Engagement Process
How engagements are run.
Every engagement follows a structured process designed for thoroughness, efficiency, and minimal disruption to your operations. For the firm's full study methodology, see The R&D Credit Method.
Step 01
Eligibility Assessment
We evaluate your business activities against the IRS four-part test to confirm qualification and identify the scope of qualifying work.
Step 02
Technical Interviews
Guided conversations with your technical team to document qualifying activities, uncertainties encountered, and the process of experimentation used.
Step 03
Business Component Mapping
We identify and document each business component — the product, process, software, technique, formula, or invention being developed or improved.
Step 04
QRE Calculations
Qualified research expense analysis across wages, contractor costs, and supplies — with supporting schedules for each business component.
Step 05
Project Narratives
Detailed written narratives for each qualifying project, documenting the technical uncertainty, process of experimentation, and technological information relied upon.
Step 06
Methodology Memo
A comprehensive memo documenting the credit computation method, assumptions, allocation approach, and the basis for each position taken.
Step 07
CPA Coordination
We deliver the completed study package to your CPA or qualified tax professional and coordinate directly on filing posture, Form 6765, and return integration.
Step 08
Post-Filing Support
Ongoing examination support at no additional cost — including documentation, correspondence, and resolution support if questions arise after filing.
Deliverables
What clients receive.
Every completed engagement produces a structured work product package designed to support the credit claim, facilitate CPA review, and withstand examination.
Executive summary with credit computation and key findings
Methodology memo documenting approach, assumptions, and positions
Project narratives for each qualifying business component
QRE schedules with wage, contractor, and supply detail
Four-part test documentation for each qualifying activity
Form 6765 support and filing-ready schedules
CPA coordination materials and filing guidance
Post-filing examination support materials and CPA coordination
Filing Workflow
How filing works.
Alexander & Blake is a specialty advisory firm — not a CPA firm or law firm. We prepare the credit study and supporting documentation. Your CPA or qualified tax professional reviews the filing posture and files the return.
Alexander & Blake Prepares
Complete credit study and supporting documentation
Project narratives and QRE schedules
Methodology memo and computation detail
Form 6765 support materials
Executive summary for management review
Your CPA Reviews & Files
Reviews study package and filing posture
Confirms credit computation and method
Integrates Form 6765 into tax return
Files the return with the credit claim
Coordinates with A&B on any questions
Engagement Oversight
How every engagement is held to standard.
Every engagement is structured around four operational disciplines. The work is reviewed against the Alexander & Blake Study Standard before any deliverable leaves the firm.
Firm-Level Quality Standards
Every study is held to the same Alexander & Blake Study Standard. Final review precedes any delivery to a client or CPA.
Engagement Management
Each engagement runs on a defined timeline with a structured data-collection cadence and a single coordinated point of contact for the client and CPA.
Technical Review
Four-part test documentation, project narratives, and methodology positions are reviewed for technical accuracy and defensibility before delivery.
Documentation Discipline
QRE schedules, financial substantiation, and supporting work papers are prepared with the precision required for examination readiness.
Our Standards
What guides every engagement.
These standards are not aspirational — they are operational. Every engagement is evaluated against them before delivery.
Supportable Positions
Every credit position is grounded in the facts of the engagement and documented with sufficient technical and financial evidence to withstand review.
Organized Documentation
Work product is structured for clarity — project narratives, QRE schedules, methodology memos, and supporting work papers are organized for efficient review by CPAs and examiners.
Prepared-for-Review Methodology
We prepare every study with the expectation that it may be examined. That standard shapes interview approach, documentation structure, and the level of detail in every deliverable.
Disciplined Communication
Clients and their CPAs receive clear, executive-level communication throughout the engagement — no jargon without context, no unnecessary complexity.
Client & CPA Coordination
We coordinate directly with the client's CPA on filing posture, Form 6765 integration, and any questions that arise during or after filing.
Who We Work With
Companies doing technical work.
We work with businesses engaged in product development, process improvement, software development, prototyping and testing, formulation, automation, and engineering design. Our clients include both companies claiming the credit for the first time and established businesses seeking a more technically grounded advisory approach.
Manufacturing
Software & Technology
Engineering & Architecture
Life Sciences
Food & Beverage
Construction
Textiles
Automotive
If your company is investing in technical development, product improvement, engineering, software, or process innovation, Alexander & Blake can help you evaluate whether meaningful credits may be available — and support the claim with organized documentation, structured analysis, and CPA-coordinated filing support.