Some quick information and frequently asked questions:

The ERTC program is for US-based businesses that had 2 or more W2 employees during 2020 and 2021. 

Note: It doesn't allow for 1099 employees.

Owners and children of owners are excluded from the program. So you must have 2 or more W2 employees (in 2020 and 2021) after subtracting owners and children of owners.

Q: I've heard about the ERC program, is that the same?

A: This program is officially the "Employee Retention Tax Credits" program, and it is sometimes referred to as ERC as well as ERTC. 

Q: I've heard that you must have had reduced income during COVID to qualify. Is that true?

A: Originally that was the case, but the program was changed to include businesses significantly impacted during COVID. Including those impacted with mandatory shutdowns. 

Q: How does the money come to me?

A: The IRS will send you 1 or more physical checks.

Q: When can I expect to get the ERTC money?

A: The time will depend on the IRS processor who is working on your file, and the complexity of your claim. Generally expect the checks to come 4 to 8 months after your claim is submitted.

Our clients don't depend on this for immediate money, but are very happy to have it coming in a few months - to catch up on bills or expand their business or whatever they want to use it for.

For some clients it's saving their business just in time, now that the checks are arriving. 

Q: What can I use the money for?

A: Surprisingly the money can be used on anything. The IRS is helping business owners that kept people employed (via Ws) during 2020 and 2021. Unlike PPP and EIDL, you are not required to spend it on payroll or other business expenses.

Q: This sounds too good to be true. Why hasn't my accountant told me about this, if the IRS is giving this money?

A: Most CPAs and other accountants either don't know about it, or are working off of outdated information about how the program works.

For example, it had been a case where if a business received PPP money, that they couldn't apply for ERTC as well. But that has changed. In fact if a business has received PPP money then they often will qualify for ERTC as well. 

There are a lot of businesses not bothering to file an ERTC claim because "my CPA said I don't qualify". We are finding nearly every business that was significantly impacted by COVID is qualifying for ERTC money. We work with your accountant to get the information that is needed. 

Before COVID we wouldn't have imagined nearly everyone in the US would get Stimulus checks. But it happened. 

This is like the business equivalent of that - for businesses that paid W2 employess during 2020 and 2021.

Q: How much does it cost to find out what I can claim?

A: It is free to find out the amount of money you can claim. There is just some documentation that is needed from your accountant or your accounting 

Q: Can I or my CPA just do this ourselves?

A: This is a very specialized accounting, where you want someone experienced in doing these claims. If you don't do the claim correctly, the IRS will just reject it. And they don't give you an additional chance to file the claim. It's a "one strike and you're out" situation.  

If the above sounds good, then please complete the following quick and easy questions, and we'll see how to help you claim your ERTC money ...