Moss Adams - 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

Since 2006, Travis has driven significant tax savings through R&D tax credits for clients nationwide. As a leader in the firm’s R&D Tax Credit Services, Travis serves the technology, life sciences, manufacturing, food, agriculture, and professional services industries.

Travis brings extensive experience supporting clients during federal and state tax exams and appeals, keeping pace with evolving tax code, regulations, case law, and administrative guidance related to Sections 41 and 174.

A technical leader, he builds high performing teams tailored to clients’ industries and collaborates with our broader credits and incentives group to support clients in pursuing their financial and growth objectives.

External Publications

New IRS Research Tax Credit Rules Sparks a Tax Season Scramble (Bloomberg Tax, March 2025)
R&D Expert: Capitalization, Amortization Requirement Hurts Smaller Businesses (Thomson Reuters, April 2024)
How Wineries Often Miss Out on the R&D Tax Credit (North Bay Business Journal, January 2017)
Tax Deal Killers: How R&D Tax Credits Can Impact Transaction Value (Silicon Valley Business Journal, May 2015)

Selected Speaking Engagements

Future-Proofing Your Financial Planning: Adapting to Potential Tax Policy Shifts in the Election
(FEI Sacramento, October 2024)
The Research Credit Refund Claim Directive 2 Years Later
(9th Annual Research & Development Tax Credit Symposium, Morgan Lewis, November 2023)
Capitalizing R&E Expenditures Is Odd for Many Reasons
(39th Annual TEI-SJSU High Tech Tax Institute, November 2023)
R&D Credit
(Titans of Tax Tour, CalCPA TaxTrek Conference, November 2021)
Research Tax Credit: Tech, TCJA, IRS Campaign, and More
(36th Annual TEI-SJSU High Tech Tax Institute, November 2020)

Education

BA, finance, Washington State University

Insights from Travis Riley

R&D Tax Credit Benefits Hit New Form 6765 Compliance Requirements

The finalized Form 6765 for R&D tax credits brings new complexities and extensive information requirements for taxpayers filing for the 2024 tax year.

Navigate Form 6765 Requirements to Claim the R&D Tax Credit

Navigate key changes made to the Form 6765 and meet requirements for claiming the research tax credit. Learn more.

Claim Research Tax Credit with New Form 6765

The IRS has revamped Form 6765 for claiming research tax credits, requiring more details from taxpayers starting in 2025.

2025 Tax Strategies for Health Care Leaders

Explore insights to help you reduce your tax burden and prepare for tax changes under the new administration.

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.

New Oregon Semiconductor R&D Credit FAQ

The bill creates an R&D credit for qualified semiconductor companies conducting qualified research activities. 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 Key Insights on R&D Tax Credits 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.

Inflation Reduction Act Expands Valuable R&D Tax Credit to Offset Payroll Tax

The Inflation Reduction Act more than doubled the amount of qualifying small businesses can claim as R&D tax credits.

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.