Small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have seen a decrease or complete halt in revenue, leading them to make difficult decisions such as layoffs and furloughs. However, the IRS has introduced a new tax credit for small businesses called the employee retention credit (ERC). This credit is designed to help businesses keep employees on payroll during these challenging times.
What is the employee retention credit?
The ERC is a refundable tax credit that businesses can claim on their quarterly payroll tax returns. It was introduced as part of the CARES Act in March 2020 and was recently expanded and extended until December 31, 2021, under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
The credit is equal to 70% of qualified wages paid to employees, up to a maximum of $10,000 per employee per quarter. This means that a business can receive a maximum credit of $7,000 per employee per quarter.
Who is eligible for the employee retention credit?
Small businesses that have either:
1. Experienced a significant decline in gross receipts compared to the same quarter in 2019.
2. Have been fully or partially suspended due to a government order related to COVID-19.
Qualifying businesses can claim the credit for wages paid from March 12, 2020, to December 31, 2021.
How to claim the employee retention credit?
To claim the ERC, businesses can fill out Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal tax Return, and attach Schedule Q. The schedule calculates the amount of the credit and is submitted with the quarterly tax return.
Alternatively, businesses can request an advance of the credit by filing Form 7200, Advance Payment of Employer Credits Due to COVID-19.
Maximizing your tax benefits with the employee retention credit
By keeping employees on payroll, small businesses can receive a refundable tax credit that can help offset the costs of wages and benefits. To maximize the tax benefits of the ERC, businesses should:
1. Review their payroll tax returns. This allows businesses to identify if they are eligible for the credit and if any changes need to be made to previous filings.
2. Consider hiring employees. Businesses that hire new employees between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, can also qualify for the ERC.
3. Consult with a tax advisor. A tax advisor can help businesses determine their eligibility, calculate the credit, and make the necessary filings.
In conclusion, the employee retention credit is a valuable tool for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. By understanding the eligibility requirements and how to claim the credit, businesses can maximize their tax benefits and keep their employees on payroll during these uncertain times.