New Guidance for Claiming the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)

Let’s talk about the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) in a way that makes sense to regular people like you and me.  ERC is not the government’s preferred term; rather, it is a friendly hand helping businesses stay afloat during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He’s like a friend you can count on when times are tough. In this article, we will analyze ERC guidance in a simple way and explain why having an expert from the ERC tax department is like having a trusted companion in the adventure.

Eligibility Criteria 

Imagine you are a business owner and wondering if you can take advantage of the ERC lifeline. It’s like determining whether you qualify for a discount at your favorite store. These are suggestions:

To qualify, you must have felt the pain of a drastic drop in income, or else you would have had to close part or all of your business because of those pesky government orders. 

The revenue decline will be quite noticeable – down at least 50%  in any quarter of 2020 or 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. But don’t worry; Even if your business is involved in government orders,  you may still qualify. Let’s break it down  further:

Fluctuating Income

Many businesses have experienced a revenue rollercoaster during the pandemic. One quarter may feel like free fall, while the next seems stable. It’s like a wild ride to an amusement park, but tax professionals are your financial detectives. 

They look at your financial numbers to see if you meet the threshold of a 50% revenue decline in the 2020 or 2021 quarter compared to 

2019.

Changing Government Orders

Government orders are not the same for everyone; they vary depending on where you live and your business type. Some businesses had to close partially, others were completely phased out, and all of this happened at different times. It’s like trying to follow a new recipe without clear instructions. But tax experts? They are your guides and help you determine what these orders mean for your business and whether they affect your eligibility. 

Credit Requirements

Filing an application with the ERC involves some paperwork and can be quite complicated if your company has different locations or employees in different states. Here are the ERC principles you need to know:

Model 941

Think of this as your ERC claim form, just like you would fill out a form to get a discount on your favourite product. This is your quarterly tax return. But if your business has many moving parts or a complicated payroll setup, filling out Form 941 can be like solving a puzzle without the picture on the box. Tax professionals are your allies here, ensuring you fill out forms accurately and are on the right side of the taxpayer. 

Necessary Documentation

When applying for the ERC, you need an organized record of your credit-eligible salary and other important documents. Think of it like organizing your paperwork before an important meeting.

Tax professionals are like personal organizers and help you set up a system to keep things clean and accessible. It’s not just about staying organized; it’s about being prepared for any questions or tests that may arise later.

Final Thoughts

Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a government-backed assistance for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. ERC eligibility criteria include a 50% revenue decline in 2020 or 2021 compared to 2019 and varying government orders.Tax professionals help businesses navigate these challenges by assessing financial numbers and determining eligibility. ERC phone call requirements include filling out Form 941, which can be complex for businesses with multiple locations or employees. Lastly, tax professionals also assist in organizing necessary documents, ensuring a clean and accessible system for future applications.

Leave a comment