Products and Services
Analysis of Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Eligibility
Validating a file can be a complex undertaking. Adherence to IRS guidelines requires businesses to furnish evidence substantiating their eligibility for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). In cases where a business fails to meet the criteria for revenue reduction, they must demonstrate a minimum 10% nominal impact on their operations, attributing it to a government order. Every ERC filing per quarter requires a corresponding government order and resolution of the 10% nominal business impact if it didn't meet the revenue reduction criteria outlined in IRS guidelines.
Detailed breakdown of the ERC review analysis
- Initial assessment of the businesses ERC claim to ascertain the original qualification criteria met by the business.
- Examination of Profit and Loss statements and tax returns to validate if the business genuinely qualified based on Revenue Reduction.
- Client consultation to gain insights into business challenges and the impact of government orders.
- Evaluation of the current Covid narrative to ensure compliance with IRS guidelines.
- Scrutiny of any supporting evidence provided to ensure alignment with government orders' impacts.
- Preliminary review of calculations and Form 941Xs for accuracy, including proper allocation of PPP and other credits, and adherence to all IRS guidelines.
Substantiation of a file
After the initial phase of evaluating the business's ERC claim and identifying any deficiencies in the file, our next step is to ensure proper substantiation according to IRS guidelines. Substantiating a file involves a thorough examination of the business's pandemic-related challenges, specifically those attributed to government orders.
This necessitates detailed discussions with the business to understand and identify relevant issues caused by government mandates.
The process of identifying the appropriate government orders is meticulous, as mandates must be in effect for each quarter to qualify.
Once the business issues are pinpointed and confirmed to be a result of government orders, a comprehensive substantiation package is compiled.
Each issue linked to these mandates must be supported by evidence and demonstrate at least a 10% nominal impact on the business.
Complete CPA recalculation
Part of our full substantiation process includes a full review of the ERC calculations. Integral to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) process is the determination of the ERC refund, involving the assessment of payroll journals, employer-paid healthcare, and the company's receipt of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds.
Our extensive review of numerous files has revealed that a majority of them contain calculation errors, potentially causing clients significant financial losses, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in some cases.
Beyond calculation inaccuracies, there is a frequent misapplication of PPP funds, which can adversely impact a client's ERC claim with the IRS.
In our process, precision is of utmost importance. We conduct meticulous reviews of calculations, ensuring the accuracy of both the calculations and the appropriate allocation of PPP funds. This commitment to accuracy is a fundamental aspect of our approach to safeguarding clients from potential financial setbacks and ensuring compliance with ERC regulations.
Tax Attorney Opinion Letter
Obtaining an opinion letter is crucial when filing for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) as it provides a professional assessment and validation of the business's eligibility and compliance with the ERC regulations. This letter, typically issued by legal or tax professionals, serves as a documented opinion on the accuracy and appropriateness of the ERC claim, offering a layer of assurance to both the business and relevant stakeholders.
The opinion letter is essential for establishing due diligence and demonstrating that the ERC filing aligns with the intricate eligibility criteria and evolving tax guidelines. This can be particularly valuable in the event of an audit or review by tax authorities, as the opinion letter attests to the conscientious effort made to ensure compliance.
Moreover, the opinion letter can enhance the credibility of the ERC claim, instilling confidence in investors, lenders, and other stakeholders. It serves as a professional endorsement, signaling that the business has sought expert guidance to navigate the complexities of the ERC program, thereby reducing the risk of errors or oversights.
In summary, an opinion letter is a vital component when filing for the ERC, offering a professionally endorsed validation of compliance and eligibility, mitigating risks associated with audits, and bolstering the overall credibility of the ERC claim. Every substantiated file processed by ERC Repair will be accompanied by a tax attorney's opinion letter.
Audit Defense
Audit protection is essential when filing for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) as it provides a safety net for businesses navigating the complexities of tax regulations. The ERC is a valuable incentive aimed at encouraging employers to retain employees during challenging times, such as economic downturns or the COVID-19 pandemic. However, claiming this credit involves intricate eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and compliance nuances.
Having audit protection ensures that businesses are shielded from potential audits or scrutiny by tax authorities, offering peace of mind during the filing process. With the ever-evolving tax landscape and increasing scrutiny on relief programs, having a robust audit protection plan can safeguard businesses from unintentional errors, discrepancies, or misunderstandings that may arise during the ERC application. This protection not only mitigates the financial risks associated with audits but also allows businesses to focus on their core operations, knowing that their tax filings are secure and compliant.
Your substantiation program will encompass a retainer fee, which will be held in escrow as a precautionary measure in case of an audit.
Funding Options
Funding your Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim comes with a myriad of benefits for your business.
Firstly, accessing funds promptly allows for immediate reinvestment in critical areas such as employee wages, operational expenses, and business development initiatives. This liquidity injection contributes to maintaining financial stability during challenging times, especially when the ERC is intended to support businesses retaining employees in the face of economic uncertainties.
Furthermore, a well-funded ERC claim empowers companies to strategically navigate cash flow challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities, fostering resilience and adaptability. In addition, having adequate funding for your ERC claim provides a buffer against unexpected contingencies, ensuring that your business remains agile and can respond effectively to evolving market conditions.
Ultimately, funding your ERC claim not only maximizes the intended benefits of the credit but also positions your business for sustained success and competitiveness in the long run.
Insurance
Adding insurance to an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) file proves invaluable as it serves as a financial safeguard in the unfortunate event of the IRS denying or retracting a claim.
This insurance coverage acts as a protective shield, reimbursing the company for any financial losses incurred due to an adverse decision by tax authorities.
Given the intricate eligibility criteria and evolving tax regulations associated with the ERC, the possibility of audits or claim reviews by the IRS exists.
By securing insurance, a company positions itself strategically to mitigate the potential financial impact of such situations. This proactive approach not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that the business can weather uncertainties, maintaining financial stability even in the face of unexpected challenges related to its ERC filing.