Losing your job can be a stressful and difficult experience. But what if you have access to an employee retention credit program? Employee retention programs can help you to stay afloat while you’re not working and it’s never been so simple to access. To apply for employee retention credit programs start an online search today.

Employee Retention Program

What Is Employee Retention Credit?

Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a program designed by the government to incentivize businesses to keep their employees on the payroll during the pandemic. The program was introduced in March 2020 as part of the CARES Act, and it was extended in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.1

Employee Retention Credit vs. Tax Credits: What You Need to Know

Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and Tax Credits are both ways that the government can help businesses financially. However, they have different purposes and rules. The ERC is a tax credit given to eligible employers who keep their employees during the pandemic. The credit is a percentage of the wages paid to employees, up to a certain amount per employee per quarter. If the credit is more than the employer’s payroll tax, the extra credit is given back to the employer as a refund.2

On the other hand, Tax Credits are a type of financial incentive that the government offers to businesses for different reasons, such as hiring new employees, investing in research and development, or using renewable energy. These credits are often used to lower a business’s tax bill or to receive a refund if they don’t owe taxes. So, while both the ERC and Tax Credits can help businesses financially, they serve different purposes and have different eligibility requirements.

How Employee Retention Credit Programs Are Crucial To Long-Term Success

The ERC program can be a crucial tool for businesses looking to navigate difficult times and build a strong foundation for long-term success. Here are some reasons why:

  • Cost-saving: Recruiting and training new employees can be expensive, especially if a company experiences high turnover rates.
  • Positive work culture: Retaining employees can also contribute to a positive work culture. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to their employer. This can lead to a better work environment, higher job satisfaction, and ultimately, better business performance.
  • Retaining institutional knowledge: Experienced employees have valuable knowledge and skills that are difficult to replace. Employee Retention Credit Programs encourage businesses to retain their employees, thereby preserving institutional knowledge and skills within the organization.
  • Economic recovery: Employee Retention Credit Programs can also contribute to economic recovery. When businesses retain their workforce, it can help stabilize the labor market and prevent further job losses. This, in turn, can contribute to overall economic recovery and growth.

Are You Eligible for the Employee Retention Credit Program?

To be eligible for the ERC, employers must have experienced a significant decline in gross receipts or were subject to a full or partial suspension of operations due to a government order. The ERC is available to both for-profit and non-profit organizations.3

You should also consult with a tax professional or employment attorney. They can advise you on the specifics of the program and help you take advantage of this important government incentive.

Unfair Dismissal From Employer

If you’ve been unfairly dismissed from your job, you may be wondering if you’re still eligible for the ERC. The answer is no. The ERC is only available to employers who retain their employees, not to those who terminate them. Depending on the circumstances of your dismissal, you may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit. A wrongful termination lawsuit is a legal action that seeks to hold your employer accountable for firing you illegally.

Several other reasons why a termination may be considered wrongful, including.

  • Discrimination: If you were fired because of your race, gender, religion, age, or other protected characteristic, your termination may be considered discriminatory.
  • Retaliation: If you were fired because you complained about illegal activity or workplace harassment, your termination may be considered retaliation.
  • Breach of contract: If you had an employment contract that guaranteed you a certain period of employment, and you were fired before that period was up, your termination may be considered a breach of contract.

Examples of Employee Retention Credit Programs in Different Countries

There are some examples of the Employee Retention Credit Programs implemented in different countries. Each program has its own eligibility criteria and benefits, but they all share the goal of providing financial relief to businesses.

  • Australia: The JobKeeper Program was introduced in Australia in 2020 to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. The program provides eligible employers with a subsidy to cover a portion of their employees’ wages, enabling them to retain their workforce.
  • United Kingdom: The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was introduced in the UK to support employers affected by the pandemic. The CJRS enables eligible employers to claim a grant to cover a portion of their employees’ salaries, up to a certain amount per month.
  • Canada: The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program was introduced in 2020 to support businesses affected by the pandemic. The program provides eligible employers with a subsidy to cover a portion of their employees’ wages, enabling them to retain their workforce.
  • Japan: The Employment Adjustment Subsidy Program was introduced in Japan to support businesses affected by the pandemic. The program provides eligible employers with a subsidy to cover a portion of their employees’ wages, enabling them to retain their workforce.

Get Employee Retention Credit Program Today

The Employee Retention Credit program is proven to be a valuable tool for employers looking to keep their employees on the payroll. If you’re an employee who thinks you have the right to employee retention programs than you should check into it. There may be funds available for you that you have not been reimbursed during this troubled period. To apply for employee retention credit programs, start an online search today.

References:

  1. https://www.paychex.com/articles/compliance/employee-retention-credit
  2. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Employee-Retention-Tax-Credit.pdf
  3. https://workforce.equifax.com/all-blogs/-/post/nonprofits-are-eligible-for-employee-retention-credits