This study explores whether firms reduce research and development (R&D) spending to meet earnings benchmarks, and investigates the incentive effect of R&D tax credit on R&D expenditure. Finally , this study examines whether the R&D tax credit moderate the relationship between earnings management and R&D expenditure. The findings indicate that R&D tax credit have a positive impact on R&D expenditure. Last, R&D tax credit moderates the relationship between earnings management and R&D expenditure.