Commonly Misunderstood Facts About The Employee Retention Tax Credit

16 May 2023

The ERC, employee retention tax credit, or employee retention credit, is a hot topic regarding business taxes.

However, it is often overlooked because it originated with the PPP or Paycheck Protection Program. Additionally, as more people are talking about it, it seems that many misunderstandings have caused business owners to believe that they don’t qualify for it when they do.

Some of these misunderstandings stem from prior laws that have since changed, while others are based on the fact that some methods of getting ERC money are more popular than others. Additionally, there are other misunderstandings stemming from scams and confusion about the ERC.

Here Are Four Common Misunderstood Facts About The Employee Retention Tax Credit

Here are some frequent misconceptions regarding the ERC and the truth around them.

1. Two Eligibility Tests

The most notable misconception is that a business must have a decrease in revenue to be eligible for the ERTC. This stems from the eligibility facet that states that companies must have a gross receipts decline compared to their pre-pandemic numbers to be eligible. This is one of the tests used to determine ERC eligibility and is the more popular option. However, some areas of confusion within this test include:

An increase in revenue doesn’t disqualify you if you still have a decrease in gross receipts.
This test is based on quarters, so failing to meet it in one quarter doesn’t disqualify you from others.
There are multiple methods to apply a gross receipt test.
PPP loan money is not included in the amount you claim for the ERC.

While this is one test, there is also another. Although often overlooked, a full or partial suspension of operation due to government orders can also qualify your business without a decrease in gross receipts. Despite popular belief, you can still be eligible for the credit if you meet this requirement, even if you have an increase in revenue and do not have to shut down your business.

2. Credit Amount

Employers who qualify can receive up to $7,000 per quarter per employee for the first three quarters of the year. Small businesses that opened during the COVID-19 pandemic can receive an extra $7,000 per employee. However, most companies will cap out at $21,000 per employee per year. If you have 100 employees meeting the salary requirements, you could receive $2,100,000.

The ERC is refundable, which means it will be a refund credit for these employers. That means you can still write off other expenses on your taxes and get a return. That can make it more desirable than other tax credits, which must be taken immediately or forfeited.

3. PPP Loan Disqualification

Another common misconception is that receiving funds through the PPP disqualifies employers from ERC eligibility. While that was initially true, recent legislation has changed this.

You can now receive PPP loans and an ERC, but you cannot use the same wage money towards both programs. That means that if you take out a loan, the money from it doesn’t count towards your ERC. Instead, the money that you spend on paychecks in addition to your PPP loan is what matters toward your ERC.

4. Third-Party Assistance

This is more of a warning about issues that have caused concern among business owners. Due to the potential for significant credits, many scams have been established to help business owners file for ERC money.

While some small businesses are qualified to help individuals analyze the ERC laws and apply them for you, there are still scams out there. If you file with third-party help, ensure your chosen company is appropriately qualified.

These misunderstandings have kept many small business owners from applying for the ERC when they were eligible—small business owners who have previously missed out need to consider whether they qualify for the ERC.

If you are eligible, you can receive thousands of dollars in tax credits. That can help your business recover from the recent pandemic and stay afloat amid future financially challenging times.

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Arnab

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

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10 Reliable Free Currency APIs For Your Business

In today's globalized economy, businesses are constantly engaged in international transactions and dealing with multiple currencies. Accessing accurate and up-to-date currency exchange rates is crucial for seamless financial operations, informed decision-making, and ensuring the accuracy of financial records. This is where currency APIs come into play. Currency converter API (aka. exchange rate API) enable businesses to retrieve real-time exchange rates and perform currency conversions effortlessly. They provide a direct and reliable channel for accessing currency data. Hence, eliminating the need for manual data collection and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of information. Why is reliable currency data crucial for businesses? Accurate currency information is vital for various financial activities, including e-commerce, international trade, travel and hospitality, investment analysis, accounting, and risk management. It enables businesses to calculate product prices, manage inventory costs, track revenue and expenses, and evaluate profitability across different markets. However, with numerous currency APIs available, it becomes essential to identify reliable data sources that suit your business requirements. To help you navigate the options, we have curated a list of 10 trustworthy and free currency APIs that offer reliable and accurate exchange rate data. Let's learn about them. What Is A Currency Converter API? A Currency API Convertor allows applications to retrieve real-time or historical currency exchange rates, perform currency conversions, and access other currency-related data. It acts as a bridge between different software systems, enabling seamless integration and communication. Let’s read about some of the most popular currency APIs available today. What Are the Ten Best Currency APIs Available In the Market Today? Here are the ten most reliable currency APIs. Fixer.io Source: https://fixer.io/ Fixer API is a popular currency API that provides real-time and historical exchange rates for over 170 currencies. This API comes with 6+ years of experience and rock-solid data sources, making it a reliable API. As a result, thousands of developers trust this API worldwide. It offers reliable data retrieval through a RESTful API and supports multiple integration options. Fixer API offers free and paid plans, with pricing details available on their website, catering to businesses of all sizes. Currencylayer Source: https://currencylayer.com/ Currencylayer API is a popular choice for businesses seeking reliable currency data. With access to real-time exchange rates for 168 currencies, it offers features like historical rates, time-series data, and conversion capabilities. You can try these API endpoints available on their website. While it offers a free plan with limited features, its premium plans provide more comprehensive options tailored to specific business needs. Pricing starts from $14.99 and goes up to $99.99. There is also a custom plan for users. Exchange Rates API Source: https://exchangeratesapi.io/ Exchange Rates API is a reliable currency API that provides access to real-time and historical exchange rates for over 200 currencies. Moreover, the API gives 250 free requests monthly. It is a simple, quick, and reliable API with pricing starting from $9.99. This API uses over 15 exchange rate sources to bring accurate data for the users. Open Exchange Rates Source: https://openexchangerates.org/ Open Exchange Rates is a popular currency API provider offering accurate and up-to-date exchange rates for over 200 digital currencies. With various integration options, it enables seamless data retrieval and currency conversion. Businesses like Shopify and Etsy also benefit largely from the Open Exchange Rates API. The pricing starts from $12 per month. You can also choose the unlimited plan that costs $97 per month. XE XE API is a widely trusted currency API that offers real-time exchange rates and historical data for over 210 currencies. Its easy integration allows businesses to access reliable currency data for accurate conversions and financial operations. Pricing for XE API can be found on their website, accommodating different business needs. However, this API is more expensive than other available options. Businesses like Vistaprint and Shopify also trust this API. Currency API Currency API offers a robust set of features supporting 170+ currencies globally. The API gives updated results after 60 seconds. This simple and reliable API comes with 300 free credits per month. The prices range between $9.99 and $74.99 per month. You can also get a custom plan. IBAN IBAN's Forex Reference Suite is a leading currency conversion API in 2023. It sources its data from reputable central banks as well as trusted providers, ensuring the reliability of the information. This API consistently refreshes the currency rates every 10 minutes, offering timely and accurate updates. Access to over 154 currencies enables users to obtain the latest conversions accurately reflecting dynamic market fluctuations. OANDA The OANDA currency converter API allows users to access a comprehensive collection of past data spanning over three decades, encompassing over 200 different commodities, currencies, as well as invaluable metals. This API caters to various professionals, including accountants, auditors, hedge fund managers, and also treasurers. Its primary objective is to deliver precise exchange rates that meet strict financial compliance standards. Currency Converter API Catering to developers of all proficiency levels, this API provides a currency API with three options: a free version, a prepaid service, and a premium solution. The unpaid version, as well as the prepaid service, cater to companies with lower request volumes. In contrast, the payable service is geared towards individuals seeking a robust and ready-to-use currency API for production purposes. Exchangerate.host API When you are searching for an API that is free and has a small resource footprint, it provides real-time and past exchange rates for foreign currencies and cryptocurrencies. The API guarantees an uptime of 99.99% and includes historical data spanning two decades. Conclusion Access to reliable free currency APIs is a game-changer for businesses operating in a global economy. These APIs provide accurate and up-to-date currency exchange rates. Hence, allowing businesses to streamline financial processes, make informed decisions, and ensure the accuracy of their international transactions. The ten reliable free currency APIs mentioned in this blog offer a range of features and data that cater to different business needs. By leveraging these APIs, businesses can reduce errors, save time and resources, enhance customer satisfaction, and gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace. So, take advantage of these powerful tools and unlock the potential of seamless currency data integration for your business's success. FAQs Is There a Free Currency API? Several free currency APIs, such as Fixer, Open Exchange Rates, ExchangeRate-API, and CurrencyLayer, are available. What Is the Free Web Service for Currency Conversion? A popular free web service for currency conversion is XE.com, offering accurate and up-to-date exchange rates. What Is the API for Currency Conversion Rates? The API for currency conversion rates provides real-time or historical exchange rates for seamless currency conversions. Read Also: Why Entrepreneurs Should Pay Attention To Cryptocurrencies In 2021 Crypto Staking: Locking Up Crypto Holdings To Earn Interest Can I Convert My 401k To A Gold IRA?

Bankruptcy Means Test: Why It Matters?

Bankruptcy means a test is done to determine who can file for chapter 7 bankruptcy. The means test considers everything while determining your current position to pay your debt to the creditors. It goes through your income, expenditure, assets, and family members. The means test was designed to reduce the number of debtors willing to get their debts erased. It has been seen that most of the debtors who have applied for the means test have passed. Those people who cannot qualify for chapter 7 or want to keep their assets to themselves can apply for chapter 13 bankruptcy. How Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Works? Applying for chapter 7 can be an expensive and lengthy process. The means test helps the government clarify who is eligible for chapter 7. The Means Test has two parts. Both parts are designed to see through your income and assets and determine the current financial standing. You have to apply for the Means Test only for the primary consumer debts like medical debt or credit card debts. You do not have to apply for this test if your debt is related to business loans. First Part The part of the Means Test determines whether your house income is below the state's median income. The means test starts gathering information about your income, expenses, and assets. These data are mostly collected from the past six months. However, there have been cases where this six months time duration can be changed. After all the reports, if it is being found out that your income is below the median income, you will qualify the Means Test. In a report made by the US government in 2013, more than 12% of the debtors were able to qualify the Means test in the first stage. Second Part The second part consists of going through all your expenses. These expenses consist of everything you pay for, starting from paying your utility bills, grocery bills to the travel expenses and education expenses. Out of all the expenses, only the allowable expenses are considered to be used by you. Other expenses that are not necessary are used to pay off your debts. While you document the list of expenses, be thorough about the things you add to the list. Remember, those expenses will decide whether your petition will be accepted or not. Allowable expenses are based on the local and national standards used by the IRS. The national list covers items like food and clothing, and local items cover housing expenses and car payments. You need to work carefully to ensure that all your expenses are thoroughly documented. What's Next After You Qualify for the Means Test? Passing the means test means you have the green light to apply a petition for chapter 7 bankruptcy. Once your petition is accepted, most of the unsecured debts will be forgiven. That does not mean that this will be the best route for you. There are also chapter 13 bankruptcy that might give more advantage over chapter 7 in many cases. Chapter 13 will help you put a hold on all your debts, mortgages, overdue loans, and bank taxes. What Will Happen After You Fail The Test? Once you fail the Means Test, there are no more appeals for a certain period. You can apply for the chapter, or you can wait for the cooldown time to apply again for the means test. We have already mentioned that the Means Test goes through all your financial income and expenditure in the last six months. That means, after a failed attempt at the Means Test, you can apply again after six months. However, if you do not intend to apply for the Means Test again in the future, you will be restricted to chapter 13 and will have to pay off your debt based on the chapter 13 provision. The Bottom Line Is it really hard to apply for a loan after bankruptcy? Well, you can say more than hard; it is more complex. You first need to qualify the Means Test, and then only you can apply for chapter 7. It is better to have an attorney while you are managing legal documentation. Read Also: 8 Simple Tips To Pay Off Your Loans Faster 5 Must-Have Long-Term Goals for A Secure Future What are the types of debt that can be discharged in bankruptcy? Using Short-Term Loans to Help Rebuild Your Credit Score

Investing In Gold And Silver Bullion

Gold and silver bullion investments are an appealing way for investors to diversify their portfolios, while still carrying some risks. Bullion prices often fluctuate and potential risks should be carefully evaluated. Bullion is an investment-grade precious metal purchased and traded primarily for its intrinsic value, taking various forms such as bars, ingots, and coins. How to Purchase When purchasing bullion, your first step should be finding a trusted precious metals dealer. Your chosen dealer should be licensed to sell what you're after while having a great track record for customer service and offering competitive pricing. You can visit this site for more information about licensing. Once you've identified several dealers, compare prices to ensure that you find the best possible deals before taking into account additional expenses like shipping and insurance costs for an accurate picture of how much your purchase will cost in total. Bullion can take many different forms, so you need to decide the appropriate form for your investment goals. Coins and bars are popular options because they have low premiums over spot prices and can easily be stored. Bars also provide an effective way of investing in large quantities at once. No matter which form you opt for, your bullion should always remain in mint condition as investors will pay more for pieces without scratches or extensive tarnishing. Your metals may be vulnerable to natural hazards like fire and flood as well as theft if stored at home, so if this is your choice then make sure it is stored in an approved, fireproof safe. Bank safety deposit boxes offer another form of home storage; however, these depositories are only accessible during banking hours and may not offer protection from disaster or theft. Furthermore, their contents could be disclosed under Patriot Act rules. You can click the link: https://www.congress.gov/ for more information. One alternative to keeping your bullion safe at home is using a reliable bullion vault storage service where storage services are secured with non-bank depository banking and cost less than private safes. How to Store Bullion bars and coins provide a safe way of investing your wealth but must be stored carefully so as not to suffer damage or tarnish. Bullion dealers will often offer premium pricing on well-preserved bullion as it becomes more desirable among their buyers. Home storage of bullion is often the safest, most private way to safeguard gold, silver, and other precious metals - although this requires investing in a safe or vault and additional security measures such as cameras or alarms. Bank storage of bullion may also be an option, though this has privacy-related disadvantages. Safety deposit boxes at banks aren't insured against seizure by government agencies or creditors, plus staff must report what's inside your safe deposit box, potentially opening you up to identity theft risks. You could add riders onto your homeowner's policy that cover bullion but this also comes at a privacy cost. Utilizing professional bullion storage services is another alternative option. Many storage providers offer allocated storage, meaning your metal will remain physically separate from other customers' metals and does not appear on their balance sheet. When you request its return, you will receive exactly the same metal you deposited initially. Handle your bars or coins carefully when dealing with them - never mix pristine and tarnished metals together as this could damage their value and reduce their worth. Always clean your hands prior to touching either a coin or bar and use hand sanitizers if necessary; lay out a soft towel or cloth beneath them just in case you drop them, and refrain from speaking over or breathing over them as this could harm their integrity. Self-storage facilities may be ideal for those who prefer hands-off storage solutions, as they typically charge lower monthly fees than bank vaults while still being secure and closely monitored. How to Use Precious metals are popular investments because they're considered "hard assets." Unlike stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency tokens, or non-fungible tokens (NFTs), bullion is tangible and can be held directly. Not only does its value tend to hold steady over the long haul but it can even increase! Bullion can serve as a valuable hedge against inflation and other financial market risks and is usually stamped with its weight and percentage of precious metal content or purity to enable investors to accurately determine its current market value. Gold and silver bullion is traded globally on major markets. Investors can purchase physical precious metals directly through online dealers or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the spot prices of gold and silver. Bullion can be difficult to pin down since its definition can vary depending on who's using the term and their understanding of it. Bullion refers to items valued for their precious metal content rather than any form of government backing or backing from external entities. Coins, rounds, and bars that meet the high purity standards needed for investment purposes may qualify. But the term can also refer to more common U.S. coins like pre-1965 90% silver eagles which often sell at relatively low premiums over their spot price. Collectors and investors seeking to distinguish among different forms of bullion can find it invaluable to distinguish among their options. The more refined and pure the piece of metal is, the higher its premium will be over its spot price; therefore investors tend to seek high-purity bullion from reliable dealers. How to Invest Bullion investments can be an intelligent strategy for individuals looking to diversify their portfolios. But before buying any precious metals, it is crucially important that you understand their valuations and your responsibilities before proceeding with purchases. Bullion, or a pure form of precious metals like gold and silver, is often sold through precious metal dealers both online and at physical shops, where you can have them delivered or stored for you at a fee. Investors frequently use bullion as a hedge against inflationary events that create economic uncertainty that drive prices higher for precious metals like bullion. Traditional investors typically purchase physical gold and silver coins and bars stamped with their weight and purity. You can visit InvestingInGold.com to learn more about the process of buying physical precious metals for your investment portfolio. It is essential to research any company you are considering working with in order to ensure they are reputable. Investing in gold and silver may seem intimidating to some investors; however, these individuals can still reap its benefits by purchasing ETFs that track its price movements; these funds can then be easily traded as opposed to physical ownership of bullion. Importantly, unlike stocks, bullion does not generate dividends and capital appreciation; however, some individuals may find its volatility attractive as it protects savings against larger losses during recessions and other economic difficulties. Many new precious metal investors may feel intimidated by specialized terminology like bullion. Before making any definitive decisions regarding bullion investments, it is vitally important to research spot prices, compare dealers, and research different products available before deciding how much bullion to purchase. You want enough bullion invested to see significant returns when prices increase but not so much that its value drops significantly when prices decrease. This is why many experts recommend investing ten percent of your retirement savings in alternative investments, such as precious metals. Read Also: What Will A Financial Retirement Plan Including Gold Look Like Investors Agree: Gold And Silver Is The Way To Go 5 Fun Facts About The American Eagle Gold Coin

Commonly Misunderstood Facts About The Employee Retention Tax Credit