Is The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Tax Deductible?

The short answer is, no. But the details require a bit more examination.

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a refundable tax credit available to eligible employers who continue to pay their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The credit is designed to help businesses retain their employees and stay afloat during these challenging times. One question that many business owners have is whether the ERC is tax deductible. In this article, we will explore this question and provide some tips on how to protect yourself from being audited.

Is The ERC Tax Deductible?

According to the IRS, eligible employers can claim the ERC as a credit against their payroll taxes. The credit is fully refundable, which means that if the amount of the credit exceeds the payroll taxes owed, the excess will be refunded to the employer.

Because the ERC is a tax refund, it is not tax deductible as a business expense. The wages paid to employees that qualify for the credit may have been deducted as a business expense on your business tax return. Therefore, according to the IRS, "If you file Form 941-X to claim the Employee Retention Credit, you must reduce your deduction for wages by the amount of the credit for that same tax period. Therefore, you may need to amend your income tax return (for example, Forms 1040, 1065, 1120, etc.) to reflect that reduced deduction."

Why Work With DUB Financial?

While the ERC is a fully refundable credit, it can be complex and confusing to navigate. The rules and guidance from the IRS are constantly changing, and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest developments. This is why it is important to work with an ERC firm that can help you understand the eligibility requirements, calculate the credit amount, and prepare the necessary forms and documentation.

We’ve been recommended to many of our customers by their own CPA firms and internal financial experts for just these sorts of reasons.

Working with DUB Financial can provide many benefits for your business. Don’t miss out on a valuable business opportunity. Reach out to us today and see what we might be able to deliver for you.

How To Be Audit-Ready

While claiming the ERC is a legitimate tax benefit, it is always important to be prepared in case of an IRS audit. The IRS may scrutinize claims for the ERC, especially if they are large or unusual. To protect yourself from being audited, consider the following tips:

Keep accurate records: Keep detailed records of the wages paid to employees that qualify for the credit, as well as any other documentation related to the credit. This will help you support your claim if you are audited.

Work with an ERC expert: Working with an ERC expert can help ensure that you are claiming the credit correctly and that you have all the necessary documentation to support your claim.

Be transparent: Be transparent with the IRS about your claim for the ERC. If you are audited, be prepared to provide detailed documentation and explanations for your claim.

Seek professional advice: If you are unsure about whether you are eligible for the ERC or how to claim it, seek professional advice from a tax professional well-versed in the ERC.