First Financial Northwest Bank

ERC-Employee Retention Credit

What would your business do with over $300k?

That's the gross average payroll tax refund amount our partner-referred SMB clients have received.

If your business kept employees on payroll during the pandemic, it may be eligible to receive up to $26k per employee through the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). The ERC is a refundable tax credit created out of the CARES Act to help SMBs.

How it Works

  • Step 1

    Answer a few questions about your business to determine eligibility.

  • Step 2

    If eligible, Innovation Refunds' team of independent tax professionals will estimate its potential refund.

  • Step 3

    An independent tax attorney or CPA will work with you to submit a claim.

Your SMB may still qualify even if:

Your business stayed open or increased profits during COVID
Your business received PPP loans
Your business didn't qualify for PPP
You've been advised that your business may not qualify

Benefits you'll love

With a network of independent tax attorneys, CPAs, and tax professionals, our strategic partner, Innovation Refunds, can help eligible businesses claim the ERC. Plus enjoy the benefits of:

No Upfront Cost

Find out if your business may be eligible, with no upfront cost.

Full Service

A team of professionals will guide you through the entire process.

Audit Protection

In the unlikely event of an audit, Innovation Refunds' network of tax attorneys will represent you at no additional charge.

Ready to Check Your Business' Eligibility?

The period to apply for the ERC is scheduled to end. The longer you wait, the less your refund will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the ERC?

    The ERC is a payroll tax refund from the same COVID relief bill as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which incentivized businesses that kept employees on payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, businesses were limited in their ability to claim either PPP or ERC, but not both. However, the rules were modified, and now your business can claim ERC even if it received PPP funds.

  • Who may qualify for the refund?

    You may qualify if your business experienced disruptions to commerce, travel, or group meetings. This includes supply chain disruptions, price increases, staffing shortages, reduced operating hours, reduction in goods or services offered, and being unable to travel or attend business conventions.

  • How much time do I have?

    Time is of the essence - we all know that government-funded programs are subject to change. As of today, you can claim your ERC funds, but for how long remains uncertain. PPP, Restaurant Revitalization, and other support ended without notice. So don't delay; be sure to claim your spot in line and receive the funds your business deserves with Innovation Refunds.

  • If I qualify for a refund, will I have to repay it?

    No. This is a refund of payroll taxes that you paid, so the money is yours.

  • How is the ERC different from the PPP?

    The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was a forgivable loan. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) returns the business payroll taxes they already paid.

  • How much does it cost?

    There is zero upfront cost to determine your ERC assistance eligibility or to estimate your business's refund. On average, Innovation Refunds invests 14 hours of expert CPA/Attorney time, at their expense, to determine your eligibility. You will never be charged for this time. If you decide to claim the funds, Innovation Refunds shares in a percentage of the money your business receives from the government.

  • What if my business gets audited?

    In the unlikely event of an audit, our network of tax attorneys will represent you at no additional charge.

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