Update For Our Clients
File Your ERC Claim With Confidence
1st Capital Financial’s ERC Filing Service is the simplest and most reliable way for employers to claim their payroll tax refund. Start your ERC application online to find out if you’re eligible.
No Upfront Cost or Agreement to Sign, and Pay Only When You Receive Your Refund ¹
You're in Good Hands When You Use Our ERC Filing Service
Get the comprehensive support of 1st Capital Financial’s ERC specialists and independent team of CPAs with no upfront cost or agreement to sign, and pay only when you receive your refund.
Easy ERC Claim Processing
Higher ERC Refund Recovery
Best-In-Class ERC Service
Specialized ERC Experience
IRS ERC Audit Protection
Access to ERC Bridge Financing
65,000+
$10 Billion+
Up to 50%
ERC Tax Credit Overview
What Is the ERC Tax Credit?
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was introduced under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in 2020 as a refundable tax credit intended to encourage employers to keep employees on payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At A Glance
Employers negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 or 2021 will likely meet the ERC eligibility requirements.
At A Glance
ERC Tax Credit Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for the ERC Tax Credit?
How To Claim Your ERC Tax Credit
Our ERC Application Process
Start Your ERC Application
Submit the Necessary Documentation
We File Your ERC Claim
Collect Your ERC Refund
ERC Clients' Reviews and Claims
Hear From the Best, Our ERC Clients
1st Capital was an immense help when it came to filing for our ERC credit. Before working with 1st Capital, I didn't even know where to begin! They provided me with a simple list of requirements and helped me understand the process with ease! I worked with Client Success Executive, Rania Kolta. She couldn't have been more helpful or patient with me as she worked to ensure we had everything we needed in order to file. I would absolutely recommend 1st Capital's ERC services who is still looking for guidance in the process.
The experience was second to none considering the complications of these type of filings. Highly recommend them.
The ERC experience which started with Liza was easy, quick and resulted in a substantial refund from the ERC program which will help our small company with much needed capital.
I am a client of 1st Capital for several years. My company utilized them to acquire a few loans, they helped me with PPP and we just applied for the ERC as well. Their process is always easy. They are approachable and very helpful.
We appreciate all their hard work. So far a great process, we are pending our payment. Easy to contact and work with.
I got introduced to 1st Capital Financial back in 2020. They helped me with PPP loans for my stores. They were very fast and efficient when we were desperate for help. They recently submitted my applications for ERC as well and I already got notification I am receiving my refund soon. I am happy to have great financial advisors on my team.
Best service good people Fast response very patient God bless you guys And thank you for your help
Great company. Rania makes the process as convenient as possible, especially during these hard times. Financing is always stressful and this company made it very simple. Keep up the good work!
Very professional and trustworthy, I would definitely recommend for all your financial needs.
See Recently Recovered ERC Claims
ERC Calculator Tooltip
No. of Employees = Average Number of Employees on Payroll for that Period
- Capped at 100 for 2020 and 500 for 2021
Qtly. Wages Per Employee = Average Wages Plus Health Expenses Paid Per Employee for that Period
- Capped at $10,000.00 for 2020 and 2021
Still have questions? Give us a call: +1 (833) 317-8227.
ERC Tax Credit Calculator
Discover How Much You May Be Eligible For
FAQs About Our ERC Service
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered
What if my CPA does not believe my business is eligible for the ERC program?
If your business was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but your CPA believes you’re ineligible — we still encourage you to apply.
It is not uncommon for CPAs, accounting agencies, or even Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) to get it wrong. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a complex program and the IRS has released a number of warnings.
1st Capital Financial does not submit claims for businesses that’re ineligible. We take the time necessary to conduct our due diligence, present our assessment, and let our clients decide whether or not to proceed.
Is there any additional cost or agreement to sign before receiving my ERC assessment?
No, there is not. 1st Capital Financial’s clients only pay a 15% contingency fee, with no additional costs, and are never asked to sign an agreement before their ERC assessment is received. Our assistance and due diligence are free of charge.
We encourage businesses to reconsider their ERC processor if they are asked to pay additional fees for a consultation or assessment or are expected to sign an agreement before their ERC assessment is received.
What fees does 1st Capital Financial charge for its ERC Filing Service?
1st Capital Financial charges a 15% contingency fee once your checks are received from the U.S. Treasury. There is no upfront cost.
Other major ERC processors charge up to 30% with additional upfront costs (e.g., Consultation Fees or Assessment Fees).
What is ERC Bridge Financing, or an ERC Advance?
Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Bridge Financing refers to 1st Capital Financial’s solution for businesses that do not want or cannot afford to wait for the IRS to process their ERC refund. By applying for an ERC Bridge Loan or an ERC Claim Buyout, businesses can advance up to 85% of their refund in a matter of days.
What types of businesses are eligible to apply for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)?
Most business types, including hospitals, universities, and nonprofits, may be eligible for the ERC. The following list represents just a couple dozen examples we have experience with:
- Art Galleries
- Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries
- Theaters and Live Arts
- Childcare and Behavior Centers
- Restaurants
- Events Venues
- Hotels
- Non-Profits
- Churches
- Medical Practices
- Dentists and Orthodontists
- Law Firms
- Construction and Real Estate Developers
- eCommerce Businesses
- Cannabis Businesses
- Tobacco and Smoke Shops
- Startup Businesses
- Barbershops, Cosmetologists, Salons, and Spas
- Private Schools and Universities
- Manufacturing Businesses
- Liquor Stores
- Car Dealerships
- Automotive Repair Businesses
- Assisted Living Services
Do not worry if your business type is not listed above. We have filed ERC claims for businesses in more than 65 different industries. If you are uncertain of your business’s eligibility, we encourage you to give us a call at +1 (833) 317-8227.
For more information, check out this article: The ERC Eligibility Requirements Employers Need to Know in 2023.
What locations is 1st Capital Financial's ERC Filing Service available?
1st Capital Financial’s ERC Filing Service is available to qualifying employers in all 50 states, including:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
The same applies to the company’s ERC Partner Programs.
How much can I claim under the ERC program?
Businesses can claim up to $26,000 per employee for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) broken down as follows:
- For 2020, you can claim up to fifty percent (50%) of qualified wages and health plan expenses for a maximum credit of $5,000 per employee for the year.
- For 2021, you can claim up to seventy percent (70%) of qualified wages and health plan expenses for a maximum credit amount of $7,000.00 per employee per quarter and $21,000 for the year.
Are ERC funds taxable?
No, the IRS does not consider ERC refunds for income tax purposes.
However, you are required to reduce your business’s deductible wage expenses by the refund amount you receive. We encourage you provide this information to your current CPA or accounting agency.
How long does the ERC process take?
As soon as you’ve completed your ERC application and submitted your documentation, our CPAs will get to work on a comprehensive assessment for your business. This process takes 5-10 business days. Assuming you decide to move forward, your amended employer tax returns (i.e., Form 941-Xs) and supporting documentation are filed with the IRS.
IRS processing of ERC claims is now expected to take 10-16 months with the moratorium.
For immediate access to your ERC refund, 1st Capital Financial offers ERC Bridge Financing (ERC Bridge Loans and ERC Claim Buyouts).
Am I eligible for ERC if I already accepted PPP funds?
Yes, you certainly are! The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (enacted 12/27/2020) modified the ERC eligibility guidelines so that PPP applicants could also take advantage of the ERC program. However, you cannot claim the same dollar-for-dollar funds. We take this into account when processing your ERC claim.
Additional ERC Tax Credit Resources
Find Out If You're Eligible for the ERC Tax Credit
You may be able to recover up to $21,000 per employee for 2021. This is money you’ve earned, brought to you by the company you trust. Start your ERC application online to find out if you’re eligible, or contact sales to learn more.