DST Advisory Group offers advisory services to companies claiming Research Tax Credits (RTCs) in the United States. We help our clients structure a technically credible claim to maximize their R&D Tax Credit entitlement. DST has nationwide experience with various IRS offices, allowing for quick integration of reporting requirements and best practices as part of our advisory services.
Our Team
Caitlin Aalund, Esq.
Director of Tax
Lamond Parker
Tax Manager
Sean McCann, M.A.Sc., FEC, P.Eng.
Sr. Engineering Associate
Besnik Nrejaj, MACC, BA
Tax Associate
Jennifer Coulter, B.Sc.
Tax Engineer / Scientist
Neena Laskowski, MA, BA
Project Associate
Andrew Gordon, B.S
Tax Engineer
Bryan Warloe
Tax Associate
Jason Noble
CFO
Rhonda Manns
Office Administrator
Marilia Dohring, MBA
HR Specialist
How we best serve you
Our Process
Step 1 – Assessment and Scheduling
Where applicable, DST will conduct a preliminary analysis in order to estimate the Research Tax Credit (RTC) benefit available under the Agreement Period. The deliverable from this step will include a “Project Initiation Letter” which may also include a proposed work plan outlining the action items to accomplish the remaining steps, and a time frame for completion.
Step 2 – Facility Site Visit(s)
This step will involve strategic site visit(s) and/or conference calls with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) of the Client, as approved by the Client. The deliverable from this step may include Site Visit Summary of Findings Report(s).
Step 3 – Analysis of Qualified Research Activities (QRAs) and Qualified Research Expenses (QREs)
This step will involve a review of the activities, expenditures and contemporaneous documentation under the Agreement Period. The review will include qualification and exclusions found under IRC Section 41, regulations and case law. This step will also include the preparation of DST tools for documentation of QRAs, QREs and contemporaneous documentation.
Step 4 – Preparation of RTC Calculations & Forms
This step will involve the preparation of the necessary Federal & State RTC calculations for tax return filing purposes (or for tax attribute schedules). DST will provide support with regards to any review of such information by Client’s external tax return preparer, where applicable. Such support will be considered part of Schedule B – Fees for Services Rendered.
Step 5 – Technical Nexus
DST will develop an RTC framework that establishes “Nexus” among qualified activities, expenditures and corroborative records. The Nexus framework will be outlined in the Legend Narrative.
Step 6 – Project Management and Review
The DST management team will oversee project implementation, review and delivery, where applicable.
Strategic Partners
DST Advisory Group is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.NASBARegistry.org.
