The Billion-Dollar Secret Most Small Businesses Never Hear About...

Unclaimed credits and incentives

By: Corey A. Wilson

Published: March 5, 2025

Buried Treasure: The Hidden Tax Credits Your Business Might Qualify For

Every year, more than $20 billion in business tax credits and incentives go unclaimed. That’s not a typo, it’s a staggering figure that represents money left on the table by small and mid-sized businesses across the United States. This isn’t because the benefits don’t apply to them. It’s because most business owners simply don’t know these incentives exist or assume they’re only for Fortune 500 companies. The reality is, there’s a hidden economy of financial tools designed to reward businesses for growth, innovation, and investment tools that are well within reach for everyday entrepreneurs.

A major reason these credits go unclaimed is due to a lack of information. Many small business owners are heads down, focused on daily operations, and don’t have the bandwidth or advisory support to investigate financial advantages that lie beneath the surface. When they do hire tax professionals, those professionals often aren’t specialized in identifying lesser-known credits such as the R&D (Research & Development) tax credit, work opportunity tax credits, or energy-efficiency-based deductions. The tax system is complex, but within that complexity lies a goldmine for businesses that know where to look.

Reviewing the numbers

Why Government Incentives Feel " Too Good to Be True " (And Why They're Not)

Another contributing factor is the misconception that you need a dedicated accounting team or a high-powered CFO to unlock these savings. But thanks to evolving technology, government resources, and specialized advisory services, even a business with just five employees and $1 million in annual revenue could uncover tens of thousands of dollars in incentives if they ask the right questions and work with the right advisors. The IRS and various state agencies have programs specifically targeted at encouraging business growth, hiring, and investment in underserved areas. The problem? These programs are rarely marketed in plain language or through accessible channels.

Beyond ignorance, fear and mistrust often play a role. Some business owners are skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true or worry about drawing attention from the IRS. However, incentives and credits are not loopholes, they are government-backed programs that exist to stimulate the economy. In fact, by not leveraging these tools, businesses are weakening their competitive edge and missing a critical part of their financial strategy. Being proactive and informed about these opportunities can be the difference between surviving and scaling.