Category: State/Local Page 1 of 7

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) helped employers bolster cash flow and avoided layoffs during the most uncertain periods of COVID. The confluence of state-issued forced business closures and stay-at-home orders created adverse conditions for many companies. The program provided a desperately needed capital infusion to struggling businesses. By the time it ended for most taxpayers on September 30, 2021, it was one of the most valuable tax credits at employers’ disposal, allowing businesses to recoup thousands of dollars per year, per employee.

As the rules changed for who could take the credit, and for what amounts, millions of companies applied for the ERTC retroactively.… Read More

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) was a lifeline for food and beverage providers, helping them rebuild from the effects of pandemic-related revenue loss. The RRF, established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), became public law on March 11, 2021. ARPA appropriated $28.6 billion for RRF, authorizing the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to award funds.

Eligible entities were businesses that were not permanently closed, where the public or patrons assembled for the primary purpose of being served food or drink.

Generally, awards were equal to the decline in gross receipts in 2020 compared to 2019. They were limited to $5 million per location, not to exceed $10 million total for the applicant and any affiliated businesses.… Read More

If you received unemployment benefits in 2020 due to the pandemic and paid taxes on those funds, you may qualify for a refund from the IRS. The agency began sending out refund checks earlier in May and will continue through the summer months.

Unemployed workers can’t be taxed on that benefit money due to new rules under the American Rescue Plan. The new law came into effect after millions had already filed their income tax returns, however, so taxpayers are now eligible for an IRS tax refund for the first $10,200 of single filers’ income. Those refunds started going out earlier in May, but they’re not being sent out as quickly as the third stimulus checks.… Read More

Did you receive an IRS identity verification letter? There is no need to panic; this is not a scam.

If you received a 5071C, 4883C, 5747C, 6331C, or 5447C letter, the IRS needs to verify your identity.

• For those who have filed, the IRS suggests you visit the website, access the secure Identity Verification Service, and follow the prompts as they simply need more information to verify your identity and process your return.
• If you have not filed, this is a protective measure as someone may have attempted to file a return in your name, and the IRS is seeking to identify your SSN or ITIN to protect your identity.