MossAdams - Travis Riley

Industry Expertise

Communications & Media Food & Beverage Life Sciences Manufacturing & Consumer Products Technology

Practice Focus

Accounting for Income Taxes (ASC 740) Business Tax Credits & Incentives R&D Tax Tax Controversy & Dispute Resolution

Biography

Travis has provided research tax credit studies to companies claiming R&D credits since 2006. He is a leader in the firm’s R&D practice in California, helping both companies and business owners save millions of dollars in taxes each year.

Travis has significant experience helping companies identify, increase, document, and support claims related to R&D tax credits, orphan drug credits, and other R&D incentives. He works with taxpayers in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, software, biotechnology, food processing, and construction. Travis represents taxpayers at all administrative levels with the IRS and has successfully defended many clients during federal and state examinations, including IRS appeals.

Selected Speaking Engagements

How to Boost Cash Flow in 2017
(Moss Adams webcast, February 2017)
R&D Tax Credits for Tech and Life Sciences
(Moss Adams industry conference, November 2016)
R&D Tax Credits: Unlock Opportunity
(OCTANe presentation, September 2016)

Education

BA, finance, Washington State University

Insights from Travis Riley

Be Ready: IRS Announces Significant Updates to Research Tax Credit for 2024

The IRS proposed changes to Form 6765 requiring more information to claim the federal R&D tax credit in 2024 and 2025.

Protect Your Business from Tax Bill Uncertainty Around R&E Amortization

Uncertainty about the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (TRAFA) leaves taxpayers needing to prepare.

Navigate Research and Experimental Expenditures Guidance

Notice 2023-63 announced plans to issue proposed regulations to IRC Section 174. Learn what this means for you.

New Guidance on Section 174 Research and Experimental Expenditures

Notice 2023-63 announced intentions to issue proposed regulations to IRC Section 174. Learn more.

Tips to Secure R&D Tax Credits: Court Ruling Emphasizes Documentation and More

Enhance your chances of claiming tax credits by performing these tasks during the claims process. Learn more.

Key Takeaways from Little Sandy Coal R&D Tax Credit Appeal

Direct supervision and support can be elements of a process of experimentation. Learn more about this R&D tax credit appeal.

Impact of 2022 R&D Expense Capitalization Requirements

Congress didn’t pass legislation that would repeal or delay mandatory capitalization of IRC Section 174 costs in 2022.

Congress Doesn’t Pass Legislation to Delay or Repeal Capitalization of R&E Expenses

Congress didn’t pass legislation that would repeal or delay mandatory capitalization of IRC Section 174 costs.

IRS Issues Guidance for Companies that Incur R&E Expenses

The IRS issued guidance for companies that incur research and experimental (R&E) expenses on December 12, 2022. Learn more.

IRS Publishes Requirements and FAQs for Amending Returns for R&D Tax Credit

The IRS updated guidance for filing R&D credit refund claims on amended returns, including extension of time to perfect claims.

A Closer Look at R&D Tax Credit Opportunities for Manufacturers

Learn how manufacturers can claim the R&D tax credit for business operations that improve their products or processes.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: An Overview of Tax Implications

The act contains multiple tax provisions, including opportunities with energy-efficiency credits and incentives.

Impacts of Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) on Research and Experimentation (R&E)

Taxpayers who feel amortization of R&E expenses has a negative effect on their taxes are pushing Congress to draft a fix.

TCJA and 2022 Impact to Research & Experimental Expense Treatment

Companies may need to change handling of research and experimentation expenses in light of newly effective TCJA tax rules.

Prepare for New Requirements for R&D Claims

Explore new Internal Revenue Service guidance and implications on taxpayers who file a refund claim for research credits.

A Closer Look at R&D Tax Credits for Technology Companies

Technology companies can apply costs of prototype materials, staff wages, research contracts, and more for tax credits.

Four Things to Know About R&D Tax Credits for Software Companies

Improperly claiming R&D tax credits can result in IRS penalties. Learn how to avoid the risks.

How to Prepare for Significant Changes with Capitalizing R&D Costs

In 2022, R&D expenses may no longer be eligible for an immediate deduction unless Congress repeals the current law.

How the R&D Credit Can Help New Companies Offset Payroll Taxes

Did you know new companies that need cash can apply the R&D tax credit against their payroll tax for up to five years? Our FAQ will help you understand this opportunity.

R&D Tax Credit Opportunities Available for the Hardware Industry

Many hardware business activities could be eligible for cost-saving R&D tax credits. Find out what qualifies.

R&D Tax Credits: How to Navigate the Claims Process Step by Step

Learn to navigate the R&D credit process so your business doesn’t miss out on tax savings opportunities.

5 Common Misconceptions about the R&D Tax Credit—and Whether You Qualify

Many companies don’t benefit from the R&D credit because they’re unsure if it applies to their operations. Learn how to qualify.

5 Things to Know About R&D Tax Credit Opportunities for the Spirits Industry

Many spirits-industry business activities are eligible for cost-saving R&D tax credits. Find out what qualifies.

R&D Tax Credit for Vineyards and Wineries Affected by Smoke Exposure

Learn how an attempt to produce 2020 vintages could benefit from an R&D tax credit after smoke exposure to grapes.

3 Key Attributes to Look for in an R&D Tax Credit Provider

Know what to look for when hiring an advisor to help with claiming valuable R&D tax credits.

Don’t Miss Out on R&D Tax Credits for Vineyards and Wineries

If your wine business develops new or improved products and processes, it may qualify for R&D tax credits. Learn more.

IRS Campaign Addresses Research Credit and Expenditure Incentive Compliance

The IRS’s new Research Issues campaign is intended to increase R&D credit and expenditure incentive compliance.

Avoid Delays and Added Costs When Claiming the R&D Payroll Tax Credit

New businesses may be eligible to apply R&D payroll tax credits against their payroll taxes for up to five years. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls.

Explore 4 Tax and Cybersecurity Planning Tips to Boost Growth

Explore four growth opportunities to help decrease your tax liability and boost cybersecurity.

How Software Companies Can Claim R&D Credits

Software companies may be able to save up to 10% of qualified R&D expenses for employee wages, contract research, supplies, and more.

Navigate Uncertainty Surrounding the New R&D Credit Payroll Offset

If you’re eligible for the R&D credit payroll offset, learn how to navigate the coordination challenges.