What Is Recovery Startup Business & How The Program Works?

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on individuals and businesses worldwide, and many are still grappling with its effects in 2022. To support businesses in their recovery efforts, various relief programs have been introduced. One such program is the Recovery Startup Business initiative, aimed at assisting new businesses that emerged during or after the pandemic. In this article, we will delve into the concept of recovery startup businesses, explore their connection to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), and examine how this program facilitates the path to recovery for these enterprises.

What is a Recovery Startup Business?

A recovery startup business pertains to a business entity that came into existence following February 15, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These businesses faced unique challenges, as they had to navigate the uncertainties of launching and growing amid a global crisis. The Recovery Startup Business program recognizes the need for targeted support for these ventures, acknowledging the importance of fostering their growth and stability.

The Relationship between Recovery Startup Business & ERC

The Recovery Startup Business program and the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) are two interconnected initiatives introduced by the government to support businesses during the challenging times of the pandemic. While the Recovery Startup Business program specifically targets new businesses that emerged during or after the pandemic, the ERC is designed to aid businesses of all sizes in retaining their employees during periods of significant disruption.

Eligible businesses receive a tax credit through the ERC, which covers a portion of the wages they paid to their employees. This credit serves as a financial lifeline, allowing businesses to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and maintain their workforce. For recovery startup businesses, leveraging the ERC can significantly enhance their financial position and increase their chances of overcoming the hurdles posed by the pandemic.

Who Can Qualify for the Recovery Startup Business Program?

To be eligible for the Recovery Startup Business program, specific requirements need to be fulfilled. The eligibility requirements include:
Establishment after February 15, 2020 – The business must have commenced operations after this date, indicating that it emerged during or after the pandemic’s onset.

Average annual gross receipts – The business must have had an average annual gross receipt of $1 million or lower in the three preceding tax years. This criterion helps identify businesses that are relatively small in scale and may require additional support to navigate the recovery phase effectively.

Impact of government orders or significant decline in gross receipts – The business must have faced either a complete or partial shutdown of its operations due to government orders associated with COVID-19 or a substantial decrease in gross receipts. These conditions demonstrate the adverse effects of the pandemic on the business and justify the need for assistance.

How Does the Program Work?

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) provides eligible companies in the Recovery Startup Business program with the opportunity to claim tax credits based on qualified wages paid to employees. The calculation of the ERTC varies depending on the year and specific criteria outlined by the IRS.

In 2020, qualifying employers can receive a refundable tax credit of up to 50% for eligible wages paid to employees from March 12th to December 31st. The maximum credit per employee during that period is $5,000. This credit serves as a valuable financial resource for businesses to offset the financial impacts of the pandemic and retain their workforce.

In 2021, the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) was enhanced to offer greater assistance to businesses. The maximum tax credit percentage rose from 50% to 70% of eligible wages, and the limit on qualified wages increased from $10,000 per year in 2020 to $10,000 per quarter in 2021.

This means that eligible employers in 2021 can benefit from an increased ERTC amounting to up to $7,000 per employee for each third and fourth quarter, making it possible for businesses to secure a maximum credit of $28,000 per worker throughout the year. These increased percentages and limits empower businesses to allocate additional resources toward their recovery efforts, employee retention, and operational needs.

Furthermore, recovery startup companies founded after February 15th, 2020, have the opportunity to leverage additional advantages provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This legislation allows these businesses to potentially claim a maximum ERTC limit of up to $50,000 per quarter. The ARPA introduces reduced requirements for declines in gross receipts, complete or partial business suspensions, and partial operations suspensions. This simplifies the qualification process for recovery startup businesses, enabling them to access significant tax credits more easily.

To guarantee precise computation and claiming of the ERTC, businesses need to keep thorough documentation of the wages they paid to employees within the qualifying timeframe. These records will serve as essential documentation in case of IRS audits or reviews.

Consulting with a tax professional who is well-versed in the ERTC and the specific guidelines for each year can provide valuable guidance on what businesses can claim and how to maximize the benefits available. They can assist in accurately calculating the tax credits, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing the financial relief provided by the program.

When Is the Program Ending?

The expiration date of the ERC tax credit was in September 2021. However, eligible businesses still have the opportunity to retroactively claim the Employee Retention Credit for specific quarters in 2020 and 2021. This means that even though the program has officially ended, businesses can still file for the credit and receive much-needed financial relief.

In order to receive the credit, businesses need to submit the required documentation to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The process involves filing an amended Form 941-X, which is used to correct previously filed Form 941s. The deadline to submit Form 941-X for eligible quarters in 2020 is April 15, 2024. Similarly, for eligible quarters in 2021, the deadline to submit Form 941-X is April 15, 2025.

Businesses need to be aware of these deadlines to ensure they meet the filing requirements within the specified timeframe. Filing Form 941-X allows businesses to retroactively claim the ERC for eligible quarters, providing them with the opportunity to receive the tax credits they are entitled to.

As businesses navigate the process of claiming the ERC, it is advisable to seek guidance from tax professionals who are well-versed in the program’s requirements. These experts can provide valuable assistance in understanding eligibility criteria, calculating the credit, and filing the necessary paperwork accurately. Their expertise can help businesses maximize the benefits of the Recovery Startup Business program and ensure compliance with IRS guidelines.

The Recovery Startup Business Program is Helpful to Businesses

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Recovery Startup Business program has provided crucial support to businesses that emerged during or after this global crisis. Through the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), these ventures have gained valuable financial assistance to overcome the challenges and uncertainties they encountered. By claiming tax credits based on qualified wages, recovery startup businesses can enhance their financial stability, retain their employees, and invest in their growth and recovery.

To ensure compliance with program regulations and maximize the benefits, it is essential to understand the eligibility requirements and seek guidance from tax professionals or refer to official IRS guidelines. As we forge ahead on the path to recovery, the Recovery Startup Business program continues to play a pivotal role in fostering the resilience and growth of these emerging enterprises.