I’m in my first year running a tech startup (finally!), and while revenues are still growing, the expenses are definitely stacking up. I’ve heard tax credits can help soften the blow a bit, especially for small businesses, but there’s so much noise out there, I don’t know what actually applies for 2026. Can someone break it down like I’m five?
Answer by: abdullah-al-naim
1 month ago
You\’re asking the right question, and you’re not alone in feeling like the tax system is a puzzle box.
Good news? 2026 has some valuable tax credits still available for startups and small businesses, if you know where to look. Here’s a plain-English breakdown:
1. R&D Tax Credit (Yes, even for small teams!)
If you\’re building, testing, or improving a product or software, even if it\’s still in early beta, you may qualify.
Benefit: Up to $500,000 annually to offset payroll taxes
Pro tip: You don’t need to be a lab-coated scientist. Writing new code or improving your tech stack may count!
2. Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
Hiring from targeted groups (veterans, long-term unemployed, etc.)? This credit rewards you for being inclusive.
Benefit: Up to $9,600 per eligible employee
3. Disabled Access Credit
Made your physical or digital workplace more accessible? You could be rewarded.
Benefit: Up to $5,000 for accessibility-related upgrades
4. Employee Retention Credit (ERC) – Still amending?
If your startup was active during 2020 or 2021 and impacted by COVID, you might still amend and claim ERC in 2026, yes, it\’s retroactive.
Talk to a tax advisor before filing amendments.
5. State-Specific Credits
Depending on your business’s state of registration, there may be additional tax reliefs—especially if you’re in places like New York, California, or Texas.
Look into clean energy, rural business, or innovation credits in your area.
At Business Globalizer, we help founders like you not just set up your business, but actually navigate the things that save you money.
If you\’re unsure what you qualify for, our tax support team can break it down for your specific case.
