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Strategies to Defend Your ERC Claims

Strategic Tax Planning has helped many clients evaluate their ERC eligibility and file their claims. For each of the claims we've assisted with, our team incorporates several layers of professional review. 

Unfortunately, there are millions of businesses without the same protection.

Schedule a free call
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Strategies to Defend Your ERC Claims

Strategic Tax Planning has helped many clients evaluate their ERC eligibility and file their claims. For each of the claims we've assisted with, our team incorporates several layers of professional review. 

Unfortunately, there are millions of businesses without the same protection.

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Your Options for ERC Claim Defense

When faced with an ERC audit, protecting your claim can feel overwhelming. However, you have options to improve your position and better defend your claim. Here are ways we can help, especially if you have already filed your ERC claim with another firm:

  • ERC Risk Assessment: A successful IRS audit defense starts with a full understanding of how your business was impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and mandates. Our team will determine what options you have.
  • Eligibility Analysis: For every quarter you claim, a full ERC eligibility analysis needs to be conducted. Otherwise, you may be putting your company at risk. Our team can help document your claim thoroughly.
  • Expedite Your ERC Claim: We can help to potentially speed up your ERC refund. With our understanding of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, we can work with the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to file on your behalf.
  • Assistance with a voluntary withdrawal: The IRS allows a business to withdraw its claim if it feels it was filed in error. Our team can help identify issues and make a recommendation to withdraw claims for any individual quarter and assist with the process.
A magnifying glass on top of documents with the word Audit

Your Options for ERC Claim Defense

When faced with an ERC audit, protecting your claim can feel overwhelming. However, you have options to improve your position and better defend your claim. Here are ways we can help, especially if you have already filed your ERC claim with another firm:

  • ERC Risk Assessment: A successful IRS audit defense starts with a full understanding of how your business was impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and mandates. Our team will determine what options you have.
  • Eligibility Analysis: For every quarter you claim, a full ERC eligibility analysis needs to be conducted. Otherwise, you may be putting your company at risk. Our team can help document your claim thoroughly.
  • Expedite Your ERC Claim: We can help to potentially speed up your ERC refund. With our understanding of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, we can work with the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) to file on your behalf.
  • Assistance with a voluntary withdrawal: The IRS allows a business to withdraw its claim if it feels it was filed in error. Our team can help identify issues and make a recommendation to withdraw claims for any individual quarter and assist with the process.
A magnifying glass on top of documents with the word Audit

See How R&D Credits Can Benefit You

Find out how to maximize your research and development (R&D) credit benefits. Our process is focused on transparency, client service, and deep technical expertise.
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Step 1: Request Complimentary Analysis

Get a free initial consultation to discuss your business's ambitions. After the call, we will request some limited additional information to help us refine your estimated credit benefits. This step usually takes 1-2 hours of your time. 

Step 2: Receive Proposed Scope of Work

After we evaluate the information gathered, we develop an estimated benefit and lay out the R&D study methodology that will best suit your business, along with the associated timeline and fees.

Step 3: Claim Your Credits

Once the full scope of work is agreed to, we request additional information and conduct interviews in order to determine the final amount of R&D costs under section 174 for the R&D credit. We create a detailed deliverable to support the results, including substantiation for the activities included as R&D.

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Gain Support with Your ERC Defense

If you feel you don’t have a solid claim for the ERC filing, or you’d simply like to strengthen your position in the event of an audit, now is the time to do so. Strategic Tax Planning will not only walk you through the process but will provide a fully documented analysis of your claim and make recommendations as necessary.  

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Learn About Partnering With Our Team

The Corporate Transparency Act is in effect. You can get started today by signing up to be notified for updates or by partnering with our team to proactively review your clients' business structures and tax planning strategies.

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FAQs

Unclear about our service? Dive into our FAQs for clarity and keep the questions coming.

What can I do if my ERC preparer isn’t responding?

It can be frustrating when your ERC preparer or PEO isn’t performing their duties. Whether you received an IRS Form 4564, Information Document Request, an IRS Letter 6612, or some other request, you can end up feeling lost without assistance. If your ERC preparer isn’t responding or providing accurate guidance on your behalf, we can help you figure out your next steps.

Why is the IRS conducting so many audits on ERC claims?

The ERC program was designed to financially assist businesses that retained employees and were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, whether by government mandates or loss of revenue. However, a number of unethical firms and viewpoints rose up. The amount was so significant that the IRS noted to be wary of it in their “dirty dozen” report in April 2023. Since then, the IRS has increased their scrutiny on ERC claims, auditing business owners’ ERC claims as they deem necessary.

What documentation will the IRS likely request?

The IRS will likely request payroll records, proof of COVID-19 impact (government orders, revenue declines), Form 941s, and potentially ERC calculations to substantiate your claim.

View Insights From Our Team

Explore our curated list of downloadable PDFs and other resources for more information. 

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