👋 2022 UPDATE: You can now access your refund in 2-4 weeks rather than 6-9+ months
2022 Employee Retention Credit Eligibility Criteria and Changes
Recently Approved Refund Checks
(Many of these companies were previously told that they didn't qualify, but decided to get a risk-free 2nd opinion):
Bar & Nightlife Industry - $553,500+ in 2020 & 2021 - 41 employees
Healthcare Industry - $599,891.59 for 2020 – 195 employees
Contracting Industry - $364,283.71 for Q1 2021 - 59 employees
Nonprofit Industry - $111,150.41 for 2020 - 25 employees
Restaurant Industry - $213,029.88 for 2020 – 56 employees
Distribution Industry - $1,152,330.98 for Q1 2021 – 208 employees
Home Services Industry - $39,262.33 for 2020 – 23 employees
Manufacturing Industry - $252,104.88 for 2020 – 63 employees
Hospitality/Hotel Industry - $620,416.97 for 2020 - 383 employees
Marketing Industry - $50,954.46 for Q3 2021 - 11 employees
Food Prep Industry - $528,340.02 for Q1/Q2 2021 - 156 employees
School/Education Industry - $111,150.41 for 2020 - 25 employees
Gym & Exercise Industry - $51,455.01 for 2020 - 16 employees
Church/Religious Organization - $30,782.22 for 2020 - 12 employees
Franchise Industry - $371,551.39 for 2020 - 312 employees
Beaty/Hair Salon Industry - $107,793.22 for 2020 - 36 employees
Staffing/Recruiting Industry - $275,099.46 for 2020 - 326 employees
Field Exam Industry - $324,846.66 for Q1/Q2 2021 - 30 employees
Engineering Industry - $21,000+ for Q1-Q3 2021 - 2 employees
Restaurant Industry - $1,950,000+ for 2020 & 2021 - 150 employees
Franchise Industry - $5,250,000+ for 2020 & 2021 - 350 employees
Software Industry - $398,017.23 for 2020 - 19 employees
Insurance Industry - $127.932.01 for 2020 - 9 employees
Security Industry - $1,245,000+ for 2020 & 2021 - 389 employees
Nonprofit Industry - $245,000+ for 2020 - 49 employees
Campground/RV Industry - $260,973.10 for 2020 - 73 employees
Cleaning Industry - $170,865.03 for 2020 - 55 employees
Pizza & Sandwich Industry - $376,455.17 for 2021 - 91 employees
Multi Location Restaurant - $203,233.79 for 2020 - 53 employees
Free 30 Second Refund Eligibility Quiz 👇
In this video update, we discuss many of the legislative changes that occurred for the ERTC eligibility process, why many more businesses and nonprofits qualify for it now, and how to apply.
We wanted to create something from a fellow business owner's perspective to explain why we feel this is the single biggest opportunity that we've ever seenand why we feel it is being massively misunderstood by the small business community considering the legislation has changed five times in the past year alone.
One of the things that we've heard with a lot of the conversations we're having is that the few and far between companies that have actually heard about this program have been told that they don't technically qualify for it (even though they actually do under the current criteria as it was passed by Congress in the current legislation).
So it's important to realize that there's a few different qualifying criteria for this program. One is much more broad and encompassing than the other and depends on how your company was affected operationally. That said, there are a lot of other factors to determine eligibility, so it's critical to get personalized advice about this based on your specific business, the city and state local mandates in the regions that your company operates in, and any kind of operational changes that you had to adapt with over the past few years as well.
So there's a lot factors to take into consideration, but the biggest factor in terms of determining eligibility and the size of the refund is identifying how many quarters you were impacted in. This is where we're seeing massive discrepancies - one advisor might tell them they're owed a 5-figure refund, one might say you don't qualify for this, and another might say you're eligible for 6-7 figures.
So there has been a tremendous amount of misinformation or out-of-date information based on all of the changes of the law over the past year that need to be taken into consideration, so we created the free 30-second quiz on this page as a really quick way to determine your eligibility.
If you are eligible for this, we can also put you in touch with an accounting specialist who can give you personalized advice based on your specific business, any kind of operational changes that happened over the past few years, and ultimately help you calculate your actual refund amount that you would qualify for.
It's critical to get all these calculations done correctly up front to make sure you're not leaving any money on the table, but also to make sure it's done in a way that won't create any issues down the road several months from now which could create delays in the refund or even completely restart the timelines altogether.
Likewise there are a lot of FAQs and common misconceptions about the program listed on this page as well, but if you have any questions about this, feel free to reach out.
Why is this critically important right now?
These refunds never have to be forgiven or paid back. Likewise, almost all of the people we've talked with who were told they wouldn't qualify for this in the past, actually ARE eligible for this program now (under the most recent legislation). That said, there has been A LOT of confusion about how the program actually works since the law changed 5 times in the past two years alone (details below).
Refunds are only available for a limited time, and the IRS backlog is getting worse. Feel free to call our team if you have any questions about how this refund program (or the advance) works.
30 Second Refund Eligibility Quiz👇
Recently Approved Refund Checks
(Many of these companies were previously told that they didn't qualify, but decided to get a risk-free 2nd opinion):
Bar & Nightlife Industry - $553,500+ in 2020 & 2021 - 41 employees
Healthcare Industry - $599,891.59 for 2020 – 195 employees
Contracting Industry - $364,283.71 for Q1 2021 - 59 employees
Nonprofit Industry - $111,150.41 for 2020 - 25 employees
Restaurant Industry - $213,029.88 for 2020 – 56 employees
Distribution Industry - $1,152,330.98 for Q1 2021 – 208 employees
Home Services Industry - $39,262.33 for 2020 – 23 employees
Manufacturing Industry - $252,104.88 for 2020 – 63 employees
Hospitality/Hotel Industry - $620,416.97 for 2020 - 383 employees
Marketing Industry - $50,954.46 for Q3 2021 - 11 employees
Food Prep Industry - $528,340.02 for Q1/Q2 2021 - 156 employees
School/Education Industry - $111,150.41 for 2020 - 25 employees
Gym & Exercise Industry - $51,455.01 for 2020 - 16 employees
Church/Religious Organization - $30,782.22 for 2020 - 12 employees
Franchise Industry - $371,551.39 for 2020 - 312 employees
Beaty/Hair Salon Industry - $107,793.22 for 2020 - 36 employees
Staffing/Recruiting Industry - $275,099.46 for 2020 - 326 employees
Field Exam Industry - $324,846.66 for Q1/Q2 2021 - 30 employees
Engineering Industry - $21,000+ for Q1-Q3 2021 - 2 employees
Restaurant Industry - $1,950,000+ for 2020 & 2021 - 150 employees
Franchise Industry - $5,250,000+ for 2020 & 2021 - 350 employees
Software Industry - $398,017.23 for 2020 - 19 employees
Insurance Industry - $127.932.01 for 2020 - 9 employees
Security Industry - $1,245,000+ for 2020 & 2021 - 389 employees
Nonprofit Industry - $245,000+ for 2020 - 49 employees
Campground/RV Industry - $260,973.10 for 2020 - 73 employees
Cleaning Industry - $170,865.03 for 2020 - 55 employees
Pizza & Sandwich Industry - $376,455.17 for 2021 - 91 employees
Multi Location Restaurant - $203,233.79 for 2020 - 53 employees
Free 30 Second Refund Eligibility Quiz 👇
WHAT'S THIS NEW TAX CREDIT FOR?
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC/ERTC) was authorized under the CARES Act and encouraged organizations to keep employees on their payroll during the C19 pandemic (both for-profit companies & non-profit organizations are eligible).
- The 2020 ERC Program is a tax credit for 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid PER EMPLOYEE from 3/12/20-12/31/20 by an eligible employer.
- THAT’S UP TO $5,000 PER EMPLOYEE in 2020!
- The 2021 ERC Program increased to 70% of up to $10,000 in wages paid PER EMPLOYEE PER QUARTER.
- THAT’S UP TO $21,000 PER EMPLOYEE in 2021!*
- *(Q1-Q3 for companies operating prior to 2/15/20)
✅ FAQs & Common Misconceptions ⛔
"How do I use a tax credit? How do I benefit from this? What does it cost?"
Although it is technically called a "tax credit," it is most frequently received as a cash payment from the IRS. There is also no dollar limit for how much a business can receive, and no requirements for how you spend it once you've been approved.
This program is not an "income tax credit" and isn't related to your annual business tax returns or your income statement/P&Ls. Because the credit is based on W2 payroll taxes, nonprofits are eligible as well.
While these tax credits in theory should be retroactive for a while, there's no guarantee how long the funding for this will last or if the incentives will be changed once again in the future.
The good news is that it won't cost you anything to find out. We found and vetted ERC accounting specialists who have kept up with all the recent legislative changes, will explain your local/state requirements, and help you determine your eligibility (at no cost) and calculate the correct refund amount your business may be owed.
"What is an Eligible Employer? And what is the qualifying criteria to be approved?
Eligible Employers for the purposes of the Employee Retention Credit are those that carry on a trade or business during calendar years 2020 & 2021 (including a tax-exempt organization) that either:
1. Fully or partially* suspended operations by a governmental order
(AND/OR)
2. Experienced a significant decline in gross receipts during a calendar quarter
*It is absolutely critical to get specialized advice about this. (And possibly even a 2nd opinion). An organization can be considered "partially suspended" if a state/local mandate imposed restrictions by limiting commerce, travel, or meetings (for social, commercial, religious, or other purposes). This can be a "Stay at Home" order, limited indoor/on-site access, limited/canceled in-person meetings and other capacity restrictions, reduced operating hours, delayed production timelines due to supply chain issues, or several other possibilities you should consider and seek personal advice on.
"Wasn't the credit only available in 2020? Wasn't it an alternative to the PPP?"
The ERC was not widely used until March 2021, when updated IRS regulations made this type of COVID-19 Relief more accessible. In short: thousands of businesses who once had to "choose" between the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and ERC can now qualify for both by amending their Quarterly 941s.
It's critically important to realize the legislation for this program has changed FIVE times in the past year, and still has many pending changes that are currently being voted on (at the time of writing).
Want more information? Just read Notice 2021-20 on the official IRS FAQ website. Refunds are currently being processed daily by tax credit professionals. That said, the IRS backlog is starting to increase as well, so time is of the essence to find out if your business qualifies for this refund ASAP.
"Doesn't my payroll provider or my CPA have this information?"
As with most things in business, tax credits often require specialized knowledge and experience. Considering the legislation on ERC has already changed several times, it's understandable that many payroll firms, CPAs, and tax advisors may not want to risk their license (or don't have time) to advise on and calculate an audit-ready refund check for a once-in-a-pandemic incentive program like the ERC.
It's important to fully document all processes and procedures, organize records properly, and ideally avoid an IRS audit. The ERC has complex calculating requirements such as Controlled Group criteria, documenting qualification methodology, coordination with PPP loans, allocating healthcare expenses to the appropriate time periods, etc. Hiring specialists can help reduce "audit stress" while also not worrying about leaving a ton of money on the table.
Recent Success Stories 😎
LESLIE E.
Medical Practice Owner
"When the Employee Retention Credit was included in the CARES Act, we knew we wanted help navigating the guidelines, calculations, and paperwork so we could maximize our tax credit and get everything filed correctly. We were very pleased with their team and their services."
IAN D.
Creative & Development Agency
"They are the experts when it comes to helping get the ERC. They do an excellent job walking you through the steps of what is needed for them to move forward, and make sure you’re approved before any additional steps are taken. They’re knowledgeable and take care of everything for you."
Carlton H.
Home Services Company
"Their firm was very good at knowing the laws and rules of the refund that we received. I didn't know anything about these before talking to a friend who referred me. To date we have received about $80,000 with more coming. I would advise anyone to just reach out to see if it works for you also.
Mike H.
Restaurant Owner
"Unlike the PPP Loan, these credits can be spent on any cash needs and are income. I have, with their help, received funds. Great program, increased income to secure your business in this weird time. Clarity provided is so important. Thanks to their team for all their hard work."
DAVID H.
Educational Services Company
"The team was very diligent and detail-oriented walking us through the process of applying for and receiving ERC even though our business had previously received a forgiven PPP Loan. Their team was able to quickly prepare accurate documents and we received a check for every quarter we filed."
Michael M.
Food Services Company
"Working with them was easy and everything worked out as they said it would. Just took the IRS some time to get it done. This is real and it is to your benefit for the covid restrictions from the government. All you need to do is mail the documents that they calculate and prepare for you."
Only 4 Simple Steps To Claim Your Refund Check
1. Data Gathering
In a few minutes, collect all of your 941 returns, PPP loan documents, and payroll data.
2. Credit Calculation
Calculate the exact value of the credit you could receive from the IRS.
3. Amend Returns
Prepare and file the 941-X Amended payroll returns on your behalf.
4. Get Paid
The IRS will process the credit and mail out your refund check once approved.
About the CEO: Nick Apollo
Average CEO | Mediocre Author | Unsophisticated Investor | Industry Thought Needer | Awkward Public Speaker & Podcaster
Over the past few decades, I discovered the only thing I'm actually kinda good at is finding and hiring people who are far more talented than me...
Eventually, we assembled a holistic team & 'virtual family office' of 173 embarrassingly expensive (but ROI effective) B2B services & solutions.
To keep it simple, we really only do two things:
→ Make you more money (with guaranteed ROI)
→ Save you more money (with zero risk to try)
So for the sake of transparency, here’s our entire business model...
Questions? Book A Free Coaching Call ⤵︎
Just Complete This Simple Quiz To See If You're Eligible For A Payroll Refund Check Too:
30 Second Refund Eligibility Quiz👇
Allies International
Personal endorsement from Kevin Harrington (from SharkTank):
Nick (& Haley) Apollo
Founder & "Average Entrepreneur"
Nick & Haley built and sold two companies prior to assembling Allies International to provide resources for entrepreneurs, business owners & nonprofits.
Lindsay Larson
Operations Director & Chief Integrator
Lindsay is the glue that holds everything together at Allies. She creates, refines and aligns all of our systems and team communication with unrelenting comedic timing.
Marc Freedman
Advisor & Finance Director
Marc is a financial engineer who leverages proprietary datasets to build custom solutions that recover previously lost profits & EBITDA. (With guaranteed results).
DAMIEN ZAMORA
Advisor & Marketing Director
Damien is one of the most accomplished marketers in the world and is always on the cutting edge of new martech platforms and advertising channels.
Yanik Silver
Advisor & Author of Evolved Enterprise
Yanik is well-known speaker, marketer, copywriter, leader of the mastermind group Maverick 1000, and author of "Evolved Enterprise" that combines business & impact.
Trevor Blake
Advisor & 9 Figure Entrepreneur
Trevor has built and sold 3 companies for a combined EV of over $600M+, and currently runs multiple businesses from home with only a five hour workday.
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Allies International is a United States 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (82-4598070) that creates free educational content and communities for business owners and nonprofit directors. The mission of our organization is to empower entrepreneurs by sharing timely information and curating hundreds of third-party resources to help them create more impact within their local communities. All information shared should be considered the sole thoughts and opinions of the author(s). This content is for educational purposes and is not personalized financial, tax, investment or legal advice.
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