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.

Read Also:

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.

View all posts

Help Your Business With A Government Loan

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unforeseen hardships to a lot of entrepreneurs in Malaysia who launched their enterprises in the last couple of years. No one could have estimated the amount of damage to the economy the pandemic would cause or the length of time it would take to recover. The sign of a government loan is like fresh air in the business world, which swift away all your investment-related headaches. However, there are government loans that you can apply for to help ensure your business survives and has a chance to prosper once the coronavirus has been conquered. 3 Tips For Applying For The Government Loans The government loans strategy is more robust and well revised. You may be thinking of applying for the loan, but your business is not a big one. You think the government is not willing to lend money to your business. But it is possible. Here are three easy tips for applying for a government loan. 1. Promoting The Small And Medium Enterprises These government loan schemes are targeted to help the most financially vulnerable businesses, which are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are typically started by well-intentioned but underfunded people who want to put their particular skill-set to use. They might be launched with only a few employees. Still, by careful management and conservation of their assets, they can grow to make a significant contribution to the state of Malaysia’s economy. The government loan schemes target businesses applying for lower loan totals than a giant corporation would need. With the world beginning to see the value in micro-finance and recognize the healthy input of small businesses on a country's economy, the Malaysian government felt that with the effects of the pandemic likely to last for some time, it was the perfect time to offer these loans to the public. The small and the medium enterprises will need significantly less money as the loan, but the success chance is more. 2. Apply Through Existing Financial Institutions To receive your working capital loan, you apply through an existing financial institution. These are not loans per se but rather government-backed loan guarantees under the Working Capital Guarantee Scheme (WCGS). You receive the loan through the institution and pay them back directly. The government insures the institution against default. The financial institutes are taking a short period, but as you are now dealing with them, your debt payments period will rise. Even if you’ve been turned down for a loan by the financial institution because you didn’t qualify under their terms, you can reapply under the terms of the WCGS government loan schemes. Government loans require more guarantees and the assurance of return. When you are applying through the existing financial institute, the process will take a small period for sanctioning. 3. Six Types Of WCGS The diversity among the business is always present. Therefore, your proposal business planning everything can be different. There are six types of WCGS applying to different people and different kinds of business models. These schemes offer differing amounts of loans as well, so you should choose the scheme to apply for that meets your financial needs. They each have different qualifications, and you need to read the qualifications of each loan scheme and choose the best one for your situation and business. WCGS is a loan scheme that offers from 100,000 to 10 million Ringgit. WCGS-SU is a loan scheme targeting startups that offer from 50,000 to 500,000 Ringgit. WCGS-B is a loan scheme targeting Bumiputeras that offers from 100,000 to 3 million Ringgit. WCGS-X is a loan scheme targeting export companies. It offers loans of from 100,000 to 10 million Ringgit. WCGS-W is a loan scheme targeting Woman-owned businesses. It offers loans of from 100,000 to 1 million Ringgit. ADGS is a loan scheme targeting companies that engage in automation and digital products and services. It offers from 100,000 to 10 million Ringgit. To find out more about these government loan scheme’s qualifications, inquire about WCGS schemes with the financial institution that handles your banking. Conclusion: Applying for a government loan is making all your hard work easy. Usually, government loans have a low-interest level. The time limit is also going to be more stable. If you follow these tips, you can easily apply for a government loan and start your journey in a more relaxed way. Read Also: Benefits of NBFC Business Loans What Are the Alternatives for Small Business Startup Loans?

Is Equity Release Worth It?

You might be having second thoughts on whether or not to get an equity release loan. On the one hand, you want to use the money for a significant transaction. On the other hand, you are afraid that the interest rate will be too high over the years, and it could result in the drastic reduction of your property's value. If it is your only property, and you have nothing else to leave your children, you want them to enjoy its full value. How to make a decision It is understandable if you are having a hard time choosing. To help you decide, think about where you wish to use your money. If you are paying hospital bills and other emergency expenses, and you have no other choice, proceed with your plan. It is reasonable for you to take it. You are also making the right move if you intend to use the money for home improvements. You will be staying in your property until you die, so it does not hurt to invest in home improvements. Besides, it could help boost the value of your property. On the other hand, if you are thinking of using the money to invest or start a business, it is a bad idea. You are at an age where you can’t wait to see where your money goes, or if it will someday grow. You need to enjoy your money at this point since you worked hard your entire life. It is also reasonable to use the money if you wish to travel the world. It might not be reasonable if you were young, but at this age, do whatever you want to satisfy your desires. You might not have this opportunity someday, so while you still have it, make the most of it. Check the details Aside from how you want to use the money you borrow, you also need to check if the terms and conditions are fair enough. There are equity release schemes that are reasonable, while others seem to take advantage of your age. You can seek help from a consultant to tell you the details you don't understand. The information online might not be good enough for you to make a sound decision in the end. Look at the repayment scheme, and if there is a fee if you complete the payment earlier. You also need to look at the steps involved once you die, and your family needs to pay back the loan. If it is too difficult for them, and you think they will not receive a significant amount, you might as well look for other options. Should you get one? After consultation and research, you can decide whether or not you will take the loan. You already have the necessary information at this point to choose. When choosing, think not only of what you need now but in the long run. Think of how it will affect your family, but it does no harm to be selfish and think about its impact on you. Read Also: Lining Up For A Loan – How To Secure A Good Loan Benefits Of NBFC Business Loans Title Loan Requirements: What You Do And Don’t Need

Benefits of a Sales Tax Consultant

There is no second doubt that a manufacturer needs a sales tax consultant but to be rest assure one must know the benefits of a sales tax consultant in 2020. Sales Tax is a beast that most of us fail to understand but if we look carefully and try to understand then we will know why are the sales tax consultants are important. Benefits of Sales Tax Consultants There are many benefits that a Sales Tax Support firm assures but the most important of them are the following: It provides you with a review. The review comprises of your sales and uses tax process. It also helps you to identify the red flags and the mistakes that you have made in the process. They give their staff the tools that would remove your mistake and help you do better. They also try to access the ongoing offers of the Sales Tax consulting firm. Also, they put in the recent guidance and recommendation. How to take the Correct Sales Tax Consultant? The Sales Tax consultants are usually very trained but keep in mind that you will have to choose the right fit for yourself. Here we have put three qualifications which you must look for in a consultant: Sales and Use Tax Expert: Make sure the sales tax consultant who works with you is well trained and they are devoted to their work Industry Expert in Manufacture: Chose someone who has a clear idea about manufacturing along with sales tax. State Tax Law: Make sure that your tax consultant has worked directly with the state revenue department only then they will be experts at your requirements. These three qualities are must in your sales tax consultant. But in the digital world, you can also avail of the facility of Sales Tax Software. What about Sales Tax Software? When the world is turning digitalized, it is great to know that there is sales tax software that can be used to deal with your sales tax. They are maintained properly then they work better than a sales tax consultant. A great sales tax consulting firm will help you map your product in a better manner. Such software also set up the tax calculation process which helps in settling and calculating all the taxes. Conclusion It is a difficult job to tame the sales tax beast but if you avail the correct equipment nothing could be better than that. Sales Tax consultants are now well equipped and are easily available if it rises problems fort you then you can raise a resort to sales tax. It is very advisable that tie-up with a great tax consultant then you will never lie in the mess of the beast. Always remember partnering orf making knots with the experts help you remain sorted with your calculation. Read Also: The Rapid Growth In The Global Industrial Automation Market And Its Career Opportunities How a Black Magic Healer Can Be Beneficial to You

Commonly Misunderstood Facts About The Employee Retention Tax Credit