Ryan Coleman, Partner-in-Charge, Tax Credits & Incentives, Weaver
In an interview with Invest:, Ryan Coleman, partner-in-charge and tax credits and incentives at Weaver, highlighted how Weaver helps clients adapt to complex new tax laws, detailed the pressures on the tax industry from rapid regulatory changes to the integration of technology.
What changes over the past year have had the biggest impact on your work?
The biggest shift in my work at Weaver has been the client impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the short timeline businesses were given to respond to it. The legislation was released late in the year from a tax year perspective, receiving approval on July 1 with many extended returns due on September 15 and October 15. Because the guidance arrived just before Labor Day, companies had very little time to understand the rules, adjust and plan. At Weaver, we’ve been helping clients quickly interpret the legislation so they can minimize disruption and identify opportunities within the changes.
How are companies using tax incentives to fund innovation across various industries?
Companies are using incentives to accelerate innovation, whether they’re improving processes, developing new products or expanding into new markets. Their main question is, “What funding opportunities can we tap into?”
A good example is foreign-led investment. We’re working with an Italian manufacturer building a large U.S. facility, by helping them secure local and federal incentives that reduce development costs. New Markets Tax Credits continue to be a major source of funding for projects in low-income communities. Clean energy incentives, while shifting, still offer opportunities in solar, wind and other renewable areas. The research and development tax credit also remains a powerful tool. Despite changes in the treatment of allowable expenses, it still helps companies recoup some of the costs tied to innovation.
Our role at Weaver is to simplify these programs, help clients claim credits correctly and ensure those credits hold up under IRS examination.
What direction do you expect the industry to take within the next few years?
Tax compliance is rapidly becoming more automated through AI and advanced software, which means clients increasingly look to us for strategy. The businesses we support are looking for a strategic adviser who can guide them through expiring credits and shifting regulations while building strategic plans that support long-term goals. Prior to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, there was uncertainty about laws, regulations and credits expiring, whether they would be renewed and how clients could plan for the unknown. As automation grows, the advisory component becomes even more important. Companies will need guidance, not just compliance.
What role does technology play in how your organization is evolving its services and operations?
Technology, especially AI, allows us to improve accuracy and efficiency for our clients while giving our professionals more time to focus on higher-value advisory work. You hear a lot about artificial intelligence taking jobs. Rather than replacing roles, AI is enhancing them in our industry. I believe it is going to allow our professionals to spend more time solving complex problems and supporting our clients in more meaningful ways.
What makes Philadelphia a great market to be in right now?
Philadelphia strengthens Weaver’s national footprint and supports our strategy of expanding across major economic corridors. With established offices in Texas, California, New York, D.C., Boston, Denver, and soon South Florida, Philadelphia is a natural hub for serving the Northeast. So not only did we open the Philadelphia office in June 2025, we also opened an office in Boston this fall. The region’s diversity is a major advantage. It includes Fortune 500 companies and a broad mix of life science, engineering, manufacturing, chemical, software and technology organizations.
On a personal level, I’ve practiced in Philadelphia for over 25 years and know the market well. Being able to lead and grow our presence here is an exciting part of Weaver’s expansion. I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead our efforts in this marketplace, as Philadelphia has a lot to offer. The city is going to be a great place for Weaver to grow.
What are your top strategic priorities for expanding Weaver’s Philadelphia office over the next two to three years?
Our top priority is attracting strong talent who align with Weaver’s culture and growth goals. Philadelphia’s university ecosystem — Villanova, Drexel, Penn State, Widener and others — provides a deep, skilled pipeline. We’re building relationships with these schools to strengthen internship and early-career programs. Developing the next generation of professionals is essential to serving clients as we grow.
