ERC Business Solutions: Maximize Your Employee Retention Credit (ERC)

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC)—also known as Employee Retention Tax Credit or ERTC—offered unprecedented relief to U.S. businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the ERC expired for most by September 30, 2021, many eligible employers can still file retroactively and recover substantial funds. If you haven’t yet claimed your ERC tax credit, time is running out. Here’s everything you need to know: eligibility, compliance risks, and how ERC Business Solutions helps secure your maximum return.

Understanding the ERC Tax Credit: What You’re Owed

The ERC tax credit was designed to help employers retain staff during economic disruptions. This refundable payroll tax credit can result in up to $26,000 per employee, depending on the wages paid in 2020 and 2021.

Quick Comparison Table:

Even if your business owed $0 in payroll taxes, the ERC is refundable, meaning you may still receive a cash refund.

Eligibility: Who Can Still Apply?

While most businesses had to stop claiming ERC after Q3 2021, the IRS still allows amended filings for prior periods. Eligibility generally includes:

• Significant revenue decline (2020: ≥50%, 2021: ≥20%)
• Full or partial suspension of operations due to COVID-related mandates
• Startups established after Feb 15, 2020 (Recovery Startup Businesses) for Q4 2021

ERC Deadlines: File Before It’s Too Late

After these dates, refunds will no longer be processed—even if you qualify.

Why Choose ERC Business Solutions?

ERC Business Solutions specializes in audit-ready ERC claims built on partnerships with certified CPAs and payroll experts. Here’s what sets them apart:

• IRS-compliant documentation
• Overlap analysis with PPP loan forgiveness
• Risk mitigation strategies tailored to your business type
• No upfront cost — contingency-based pricing only if your credit is approved

What Documents Do You Need?

Use this checklist to prepare:

✔ Payroll records for 2020–2021

✔ PPP loan forgiveness documentation

✔ Gross receipts per quarter

✔ Shutdown mandate dates or local orders

✔ Number of full-time employees (FTEs)

Avoid These Common ERC Mistakes

Mistakes can cost you thousands or trigger an IRS audit. Here’s what to avoid:

• Double-dipping: Don’t claim wages also used for PPP forgiveness.
• Incorrect employee count: Rules differ for employers with over 100 FTEs in 2020 vs. 500 in 2021.
• No mandate documentation: Keep records of state or city shutdown orders.

📌 Tip: Document everything. The IRS has increased audits of aggressive ERC claims.

Final Thoughts

The Employee Retention Credit was one of the most impactful financial relief programs during the pandemic. Yet thousands of eligible businesses have still not filed. Whether you’re a small retail shop, restaurant, manufacturer, or recovery startup—ERC Business Solutions is here to ensure your claim is maximized, compliant, and audit-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Employee Retention Credit (ERC)?

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC), also known as the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), is a refundable payroll tax credit for businesses that retained employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides up to $26,000 per employee based on wages paid in 2020 and 2021.

2. Who qualifies for the ERC tax credit?

Businesses qualify if they:

• Experienced significant decline in gross receipts (50% in 2020, 20% in 2021)
• Faced a full or partial government-mandated shutdown
• Are classified as Recovery Startup Businesses (founded after Feb 15, 2020) & had less than $1 million in annual gross receipts

4. Is ERC the same as ERTC?

Yes. ERC (Employee Retention Credit) and ERTC (Employee Retention Tax Credit) refer to the same program. The IRS and tax professionals use both terms interchangeably.