State program
Maine Research Expense Tax Credit
A dual-component credit covering both incremental research spending and basic research payments.
Program overview
Maine combines a standard incremental research credit with a super credit for basic research payments made to universities and qualifying research organisations. The credit may offset only a portion of Maine income tax liability in any single year, but the carryforward period is long, so credits generated during heavy research years remain useful as a company matures. Maine follows federal Section 41 definitions with expenses restricted to research conducted in Maine.
Eligibility
Taxpayers with qualified research expenses for research conducted in Maine, and taxpayers making basic research payments to Maine-based research institutions.
Benefits
Non-refundable credit limited to a percentage of Maine income tax liability each year.
Find out what your research actually qualifies for
A scoping conversation takes thirty minutes and costs nothing. You leave with a view on eligibility, likely credit range and the documentation you would need.