Businesses, regardless of their size, are searching for strategies to keep their employees and encourage their loyalty. One solution for achieving this goal is to utilize the Recovery Startup Business Employee Retention Credit (RSB ERC).
This tax credit allows businesses to claim a portion of the wages they paid during the pandemic as an employee retention credit. The credits can be used towards other business-related expenses, such as purchasing new equipment or hiring more staff.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the RSB ERC operates and how it can benefit businesses in retaining their valuable employees.
What is a Recovery Startup Business ERC
The RSB ERC is a component of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was approved in December 2020 to provide financial support to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The act includes $15 billion worth of emergency funds specifically designated for employers who have been financially impacted as well as certain specific initiatives like providing grants and loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and expanding unemployment insurance benefits.
However, one lesser known provision within this legislation is the ability for businesses to take advantage of the RSB ERC – a nonrefundable federal income tax credit available to eligible employers who pay qualified wages between March 13th 2020 through December 31st 2021.
By claiming this credit, businesses may be able to reduce payroll taxes up to 50% on wages paid after March 12th 2020 but before January 1st 2022 with some restrictions applying for large corporations with 500 or more full-time employees prior to February 15th 2020.
Additionally, there are also special rules that apply if a business has experienced a partial suspension due to government orders related to COVID-19 from beginning after December 31st 2019 until ending before June 30th 2021. We will explore these various requirements further in subsequent sections below.
Overview of the Employee Retention Credit
It’s well-known that employee retention is crucial to the success of any business. However, not all businesses have the necessary resources to achieve this goal. So, what options are available?
One possible solution is to claim your recovery startup business employee retention credit. This article will provide a brief overview of what this credit is and outline the eligibility requirements.
The employee retention credit is designed to incentivize businesses to invest in their employees by offering tax credits. These credits can be applied towards federal income taxes or refunded if they exceed the amount owed on taxes.
Employers who claim these credits may also be eligible for other incentives, including reduced payroll taxes or lower labor costs when hiring new employees.
Meanwhile, employees benefit from receiving additional wages due to the reduction in employer expenses resulting from taking advantage of the credit.
But it’s important to note that not all employers qualify for this credit; only those whose gross receipts have declined significantly compared to prior years are eligible for it.
To determine whether you meet the criteria for claiming this credit, you must compare your current year’s total revenue with either 2019 totals or 2020 quarterly average totals (whichever produces a higher figure).
If your current year’s revenues represent at least 20% less than either comparison period’s figures, then you’re likely eligible for the employee retention credit – which could save you thousands of dollars in taxes!
ERC Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for claiming the employee retention credit are fairly straightforward, but it is important to be aware of them in order to determine whether your business qualifies.
The following criteria must be met in order to successfully claim and receive the recovery startup business employee retention credit:
- Employers must have experienced a full or partial suspension of operations due to government orders related to COVID-19 during 2020 or 2021.
- Employers must also demonstrate that they experienced either a significant decline in gross receipts (defined as more than 50%) compared with the same quarter from 2019; OR if their average number of employees in 2020 was less than two-thirds of what it had been in 2019.
- Eligible employers may use one of several methods when calculating wages covered by this tax credit – including taking into account all wages paid regardless of salary level and the actual cost associated with providing healthcare benefits for those employees; whichever produces the higher amount will often be used.
- Lastly, employers must make sure that any claimed expenses are not otherwise deductible under other provisions such as section 162(a) of Internal Revenue Code or taken into account for purposes of computing net earnings from self-employment income according to section 1402(a).
With these criteria established, businesses can confidently assess their situation and begin pursuing appropriate steps towards claiming the Recovery Startup Business Employee Retention Credit where applicable.
It is critical that businesses review these rules carefully before making any decisions regarding eligibility so they can ensure compliance and maximize savings potentials afforded through this opportunity.
Claim the Recovery Startup Business Employee Retention Credit
In order to claim the recovery startup business employee retention credit, there are various steps that must be taken.
To begin with, employers must determine eligibility for the credit – a process which includes determining if their employees meet certain criteria outlined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Secondly, employers need to calculate their eligible wages and retention credits in accordance with IRS guidelines. Finally, after gathering all of the necessary information and filing for the credit on Form 941-X, employers may then apply for payment from the IRS at no cost.

To be eligible for the tax credit, the employer must confirm if their employees meet the IRS criteria for “qualified employees.” In general, any employee who was employed in 2019 or 2020 will be considered a qualified employee, but certain requirements may apply to some individuals.
Furthermore, to be qualified, employees must have worked more than 50% of their working hours during a three month period before June 30th, 2021.
Additional qualifications, such as age restrictions and total compensation limits, may also influence whether an employee meets the definition of “qualifying” under IRS rules.
After confirming that an employer has qualifying employees, the next step is to determine their eligible wages. The employer will also need to calculate how much retention credit they are entitled to receive for each qualifying employee.
Employers should note that special provisions exist when calculating eligible wages regarding voluntary pay reductions made due to COVID-19 related issues along with exemptions based on payroll size or type of business entity involved among other variables.
It is important that employers review all applicable guidance given by the IRS before continuing so they do not miss any opportunities or potentially misapply regulations leading them into trouble down the road.
Finally once all calculations have been completed, employers can take advantage of Form 941-X – Adjusted Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return or Claim for Refund – where they enter in their retained taxes from prior quarters in addition to applying for current quarter refunds associated with employee retention credits earned through fulfilling certain conditions stated within CARES Act legislation .
After submitting this form electronically via EFTPS , taxpayers should wait approximately two weeks before receiving notice confirming application approval followed soon afterwards by refund payments directly deposited into registered banking accounts without incurring additional fees.
Calculating the Amount of Employee Retention Credit
The amount of credit available to a business for employee retention can vary significantly depending on the size and type of organization.
According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses employ nearly 50% of all private sector employees in the United States and account for 44% of total U.S. payrolls. This provides an indication of just how important it is for startup companies to take advantage of any resources that are available to them to help retain their valuable staff members.
Fortunately, there are several different types of credits that can be utilized by startups to boost their recovery efforts when it comes to keeping their best personnel onboard.
Some Opportunities Open to Recovery Startup Businesses:
- The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) offers up to $9,600 per eligible new hire
- The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) provides qualified employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 70 percent of wages paid per quarter, up to $7,000 per employee
- The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) allows qualifying employers access to tax credits related to providing paid leave benefits due to COVID-19 or other qualifying events
- For start-up companies operating in certain states such as New York, they may also qualify for additional state-specific programs or incentives designed specifically for smaller operations like theirs
Calculating the exact amount of credit each company qualifies for depends upon many factors including its size, industry sector, geographic region and more.
To ensure accuracy and maximize potential savings opportunities, businesses should consult with an experienced financial advisor who understands the unique needs of startups and has knowledge about current regulations surrounding these types of credits.
With this information at hand, organizations will have a much better chance at accessing meaningful levels of assistance from government programs that could make all the difference in helping them succeed during challenging times.
Resources for Receiving Recovery Startup Business ERC
Moving on from calculating the amount of credit, there are a variety of additional resources to consider when claiming your recovery startup business employee retention credit. One such resource is the Internal Revenue Service website that contains detailed information about how businesses can qualify for this tax relief and provides guidance on filing the form associated with claiming the credit.
Additionally, many states have their own websites dedicated to providing information on state-specific requirements for applying for an employee retention credit.
Businesses may also benefit from consulting with a qualified professional tax preparer or accountant who can provide personalized advice based on specific needs.
Additionally, local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer free counseling services and assistance in navigating government programs like this one aimed at helping small businesses recover from economic losses due to COVID-19.
SBDCs typically have counselors available by phone and online appointments as well as offering training sessions and webinars related to different types of financial aid programs that could be applicable for qualifying employers looking to claim the employee retention credit.
Finally, it’s important to remember that other forms of financial assistance may be available depending upon certain criteria such as industry type, geographical location, size of workforce, etc., so researching all potential sources thoroughly is essential when determining which options are best suited for your situation in order to maximize any potential savings through these credits.
Recovery Startup Business ERC Review
The Recovery Startup Business Employee Retention Credit presents an excellent opportunity for businesses to enhance their employee retention. To qualify, the business must have no more than 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees in any calendar quarter of 2020 or 2021 and must have experienced a minimum of 20% reduction in revenue from the same quarter in 2019.
The company will need to determine how long each employee has been retained, with the period running from March 12th, 2020 to January 1st, 2021. The credit amount can then be calculated by multiplying the FTEs retained during that time by $5,000.
For those who are looking to take advantage of this beneficial credit, there are plenty of resources available. The IRS website offers detailed instructions on claiming the credit as well as numerous examples with calculations already done for you.
Additionally, organizations such as SCORE offer free mentorship services to help small businesses navigate taxes and other financial matters related to their operations.
Finally, enlisting an experienced CPA that specializes in tax credits could prove invaluable in navigating this process and ensuring one takes full advantage of all possible savings opportunities.
In short, while claiming the Recovery Startup Business Employee Retention Credit may seem daunting at first glance, it’s really not rocket science once someone familiarizes themselves with what needs to be done – like putting together pieces of a puzzle – and understands how to make use of available resources.
With some savvy research and planning ahead, entrepreneurs can certainly reap the rewards of taking advantage of this generous government incentive program meant to support them through these trying times.
ERC Assistance With Federal Tax Credits ERC Services

Have you had difficulties determining if your business qualifies for the Employee Retention Credit or Employee Retention Tax Credit?
Federal Tax Credits ERC is here to answer any of your questions, offer assistance, and even provide a complimentary ERC Qualification Check.
Our team of ERC Experts offer white glove service for tax filing, amending returns, determining eligibility, and how to file for the ERC program.
The time is now to get your Employee Retention Credit while the tax credits are still in place. The program is still available but won’t be around for too much longer.
Get the tax credit you are entitled to and receive game changing money back for your business.
Contact Federal Tax Credits ERC now and let us help you receive all the tax credits your business is eligible for.
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