For small businesses navigating the complex world of R&D tax credits, finding the right partners can make all the difference between leaving money on the table and maximizing government incentives. That’s where strategic partnerships between accounting firms and specialized tax credit providers create real value for entrepreneurs.

John Hunt, CPA and Senior Manager at General Ledger Partners (GLP), joins the latest What The Tech podcast to discuss how his Austin-based firm supports innovative SMBs through comprehensive financial services and strategic partnerships with companies like Boast.

From Industry to Consulting: A CPA’s Journey

Hunt’s path to accounting consulting wasn’t linear. After spending eight years in industry accounting with software and healthcare IT companies across Texas, he made the decision to pursue his CPA license in 2017.

“I was a senior accountant at a healthcare company in Dallas, and I felt like I needed to level up,” Hunt explains. “I just bit the bullet and started going to night classes for grad school and started sitting for the CPA exams.”

That commitment to professional development led him to consulting, where he eventually reunited with former colleagues Jason Terry and Jennifer Thomas to join General Ledger Partners about three years ago. It’s a familiar story in the entrepreneurship world; talented professionals who worked well together deciding to build something together.

The SaaS-Heavy Landscape

Today, Hunt estimates that 70-80% of his clients are SaaS companies, reflecting both the concentration of software startups in Austin and the particular financial complexities these businesses face. The recurring revenue models, customer acquisition costs, and rapid growth trajectories of SaaS companies require specialized accounting expertise that goes beyond traditional bookkeeping.

“Being in consulting opens the doors to other industries and different business sizes as well,” Hunt notes. “But SaaS is really popular right now, so we have a lot of SaaS clients.”

This concentration in software also makes GLP’s clients ideal candidates for R&D tax credits; a natural fit for the partnership with Boast.

A Win-Win Partnership Model

Hunt describes the collaboration with Boast as a “minimal input” solution that delivers maximum value to clients. Rather than trying to become R&D tax credit experts themselves, GLP focuses on what they do best—comprehensive financial management—while connecting clients to specialized expertise.

“It seemed like a win-win,” Hunt explains. “It’s good for the client because they get free money from the government, and it’s good on our part because we really have minimal input there. We connect you guys to the financials and payroll, and the Boast team just hops in and does most of it.”

This hands-off approach allows GLP to offer additional value without stretching their team thin or moving outside their core competencies. For clients, it means accessing R&D tax credits through the payroll tax refund option, receiving IRS checks a few quarters later without the administrative burden.

Texas R&D Tax Credits: Major Changes Ahead

While many of Hunt’s early-stage startup clients haven’t been significantly impacted by recent federal R&D tax legislation changes, the landscape is evolving rapidly. Starting in 2026, Texas will implement significant improvements to its state-level R&D tax credit program.

The changes include:

  • Credit rate increase from roughly 5% to 8.72%
  • Streamlined application processes aligned with federal requirements
  • For a company with $1 million in R&D expenses, this represents an increase from about $50,000 to $87,000 in tax benefits

“I think that longer term for these guys, planning for the future, that’s a good thing,” Hunt reflects on the upcoming changes.

GLP’s Evolution: Brand Refresh and Expanded Services

After five years of rapid growth (from two founders to 13 team members), General Ledger Partners is undergoing a comprehensive brand refresh. The timing reflects their maturation from startup to established firm.

“We’ve had a lot of rapid growth, so we think now is a great time for this,” Hunt explains. “Soon you’ll see a new modern look to GLP—new logo, new website, some new resources for the public.”

Beyond the visual refresh, GLP is restructuring their offerings around two specialized areas:

Nonprofit Focus: Leveraging their team’s strong background in nonprofit accounting to serve this complex sector more effectively.

Financial Services Expansion: Adding CFO advisory, FP&A work, budgeting, forecasting, scenario modeling, and strategic advisory services.

This evolution reflects the natural growth path of successful consulting firms—starting with core services and expanding into adjacent areas where they can add unique value.

The Partnership Advantage

Hunt’s perspective on working with Boast highlights a key principle for successful business partnerships: complementary expertise rather than competitive overlap. GLP doesn’t offer tax services, making Boast a natural complement rather than a threat.

“We don’t offer any kind of R&D studies or tax on that side of the field, so it complements us very nicely,” Hunt notes.

The approach of focusing on core strengths while partnering for adjacent servicesallows both firms to deliver comprehensive solutions without diluting their expertise or overwhelming their teams.

For innovative SMBs, particularly in the SaaS space, this partnership model provides access to both solid financial foundations and specialized tax optimization; a combination that can significantly impact cash flow and growth trajectory.

Talk to an expert from Boast today to learn more about how strategic partnerships with firms like General Ledger Partners can help maximize your R&D tax credits and extend your innovation runway.

For small businesses navigating the complex world of R&D tax credits, finding the right partners can make all the difference between leaving money on the table and maximizing government incentives. That's where strategic partnerships between accounting firms and specialized tax credit providers create real value for entrepreneurs. 

John Hunt, CPA and Senior Manager at General Ledger Partners (GLP), joins the latest What The Tech podcast to discuss how his Austin-based firm supports innovative SMBs through comprehensive financial services and strategic partnerships with companies like Boast.