Meta's research tax credits hit $7B in 2026, aided by AI data center classification

Meta classified parts of its AI data center buildout as experimental pilot models to claim research tax credits on equipment including AI chips. Total research tax credits: $700M in 2023, $2B in 2024, $3.9B in 2025, and roughly $7B in 2026. The credits cover R&D labor and equipment costs. Meta's filings note the IRS could challenge these positions.