Best Charlotte ERC Audit Lawyers?
Contents
You’re Facing an ERC Audit? Here’s What You Need to Know
So, you claimed the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) – and now, you’re worried about an audit from the IRS, right? Well, take a deep breath – because in this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what you need to do, to get ready for one of these audits. 1 But first, let’s start with the basics: what is the ERC, anyway? It’s a tax credit that was created to help businesses, keep employees on payroll – during the COVID-19 pandemic. 1 Essentially, if your operations were fully or partially suspended, due to a government order – or if you experienced a significant decline in gross receipts, you may have been eligible, to claim a credit, for qualified wages paid to employees. 1Now, here’s the thing: the ERC rules were complex, and constantly changing – which led to a lot of confusion, and mistakes on tax returns. 1 So, the IRS decided to crack down, by increasing audits of ERC claims. 1 Their goal? To verify that businesses, were actually eligible for the credit – and that they calculated it correctly. 1But, don’t panic just yet – because with some preparation, you can sail through an ERC audit, with flying colors. Here’s what you need to do: 1
Gather Your Documentation
Proper documentation is key, for any IRS audit – but it’s especially crucial, for the ERC. 1 Why? Because the eligibility rules, were so nuanced and fact-specific. 1So, what kind of documents should you have on hand? Well, here’s a checklist:
- Payroll records, showing wages paid to employees
- Financial statements and tax returns
- Records of any government orders, that impacted your operations
- Documentation of your decline in gross receipts, if applicable
- Calculations showing how you determined, qualified wages
- Any other evidence supporting your ERC claim 1
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Spodek Law Group, I claimed this credit ages ago – how am I supposed to have all that?” Well, here’s the deal: the IRS can audit ERC claims, for up to 3 years after you filed – or even longer, in some cases. 1 So, if you didn’t keep meticulous records from the start, now is the time to get organized. 1Reach out to your payroll provider, your accountant, anyone who may have documentation – related to your ERC claim. Leave no stone unturned, in gathering proof of your eligibility. 1 It may seem tedious, but trust me – having this paperwork in order, could save you thousands in potential penalties, down the line. 1
Conduct a Self-Audit
With your documentation in hand, it’s a smart move to conduct your own, informal audit – before the IRS comes knocking. 1 Go through your records with a fine-toothed comb, and double-check a few key things:
- Did you accurately calculate your qualified wages?
- Were you truly impacted by a government order, or a significant gross receipts decline?
- Do you have sufficient proof, to back up your eligibility? 1
If you identify any potential issues during this self-audit, don’t panic – but do address them proactively. It’s better to amend your tax return now, than to wait for the IRS to find problems later. 1 This self-audit process can also help you get comfortable with the details of your claim. Trust me, being able to clearly explain your situation, will make the actual IRS audit go much smoother. 1
Seek Professional Help
Look, I get it – tax laws like the ERC, are incredibly complex. Trying to interpret all the rules and regulations, on your own? It can feel like reading another language, sometimes. 1 That’s why my advice is this: don’t go it alone. Seek out a tax professional, who specializes in ERC audits and compliance. 1 They’ll know exactly what the IRS is looking for, and can review your documentation – to identify any potential red flags, before the audit even begins. 1 Not only that, but having a tax pro in your corner can provide peace of mind, throughout the entire audit process. They’ll be there to answer questions, provide guidance, and most importantly – advocate for you, if any issues do arise with the IRS. 1 Find a reputable tax firm that specializes in ERC audits, and get them on your team. Consider it an investment in protecting your business – and your hard-earned profits. 1
Why Hire Spodek Law Group for Your ERC Audit?
First off, we’re not your average tax firm. We’re a powerhouse team of elite attorneys, who have made a name for ourselves, by taking on tough cases nationwide – and winning. 3 There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm. 3We’re focused on providing the highest level of customer service, and case results for our clients. 3 Our New York criminal defense lawyers are focused on servicing a very curated clientele, that expects high class service and exceptional understanding of the law. 3We have experience handling the toughest legal situations – that require experience, and excellence, in order to get the best possible legal outcomes for our clients. 3 We have over 50 years of combined experience handing legal situations – nationwide, and even internationally. 3When you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer, Spodek Law Group is a firm that will be on your radar. Our reputation is well received by other attorneys and members of the media alike. 3
We’ve been featured on major news outlets, ranging from New York Post, Newsweek, Fox 5 New York, South China Morning Post, Insider.com, to other major news outlets. 3But we’re not just a bunch of talking heads – we’re battle-tested litigators, who know how to fight for our clients. Todd Spodek, our founding partner, is a seasoned trial attorney with many years of experience. 3 He is a second generation lawyer, and one who takes his work seriously. He has many years of experience handling hundreds of trials. 3
In 2022, Netflix released a series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin. 3 So when it comes to your ERC audit, you can rest assured that you’ll be working with a team of heavy hitters. We have a deep understanding of the complex tax laws involved, and we’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the IRS. 3But what really sets us apart is our commitment to personal service. We treat every client like a VIP, providing hands-on attention and transparent communication, every step of the way. 3
It’s simple. Every single client deserves honesty and white glove service. 3 Every single client should know what he, or she, potentially faces – and have a fighter in their corner, who will leave no stone unturned in pursuing the best possible outcome. 3That’s exactly what you’ll get when you hire Spodek Law Group. We’ll be your advocates, your counselors, and most importantly – your relentless champions against the IRS.
What to Expect When You Hire Us
So, what can you expect when you bring us on to handle your ERC audit case? Here’s a quick rundown:
First, we’ll do a deep dive into the details of your situation. That means carefully reviewing all of your documentation, crunching the numbers on your qualified wages and gross receipts, and getting intimately familiar with how the ERC eligibility rules apply to your business. 3 From there, we’ll start constructing a rock-solid legal strategy for your audit defense. We’re not just going to throw some documents at the IRS and hope for the best. No, we’re going to craft a comprehensive, airtight argument that lays out exactly why you were entitled to claim the ERC – backed by evidence, calculations, and legal precedent. 3 But we don’t stop there. Our team holds regular meetings to discuss and strategize every single case. That means when we go before the IRS auditors, we’ll be equipped with a unified, multi-pronged approach – and ready to counter any arguments or evidence they might try to throw our way. 3
Throughout the entire process, you’ll have a dedicated point of contact on our team – an attorney who will keep you constantly updated on the status of your case. No getting shuffled around. No radio silence. Just transparent, accessible legal counsel, whenever you need it. 3 And if things get heated with the IRS? If they start playing hardball, questioning your credibility, or trying to lowball you on the credit amount? That’s when we go into full attack mode. 3 We’re not afraid to take an aggressive stance and fight tooth and nail to protect your rights and your bottom line.
Look, we get it – the idea of an IRS audit can be stressful and even a little embarrassing. A lot of our clients are hesitant to be fully open about their situation. 2 But we encourage that open dialogue and transparency. The more we know upfront, the better equipped we’ll be to defend you. 2 At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to be your trusted legal partners and relentless advocates. When you hire Spodek Law Group, you’re not just getting attorneys – you’re getting a team of professionals who will treat your case like it’s their own fight. 3
Our Proven Track Record
Of course, you don’t have to just take our word for it. Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve successfully defended ERC audits and other tax cases for businesses across the nation. 6
Here’s just one example of how our comprehensive approach pays off: Jackson’s Diner, a family restaurant in Ohio, claimed the ERC for 2020 and 2021 after experiencing significant COVID-related disruptions. In late 2022, they received an IRS audit notice. 5Recognizing the stakes, Jackson’s immediately retained our firm to manage their audit response.
Our team:
- Gathered and organized all documentation, including payroll records, sales reports, government orders, and health department guidance. 5
- Prepared detailed calculations of the credit amount, qualified wages, gross receipts declines, and health plan expenses. 5
- Crafted a comprehensive written response, with an overview of how COVID-19 impacted operations, an analysis of eligibility requirements, and calculations cross-referenced to supporting evidence. 5
- Participated in virtual meetings with auditors, directly addressing concerns, highlighting key proof, and reiterating our thoroughness. 5
Result? After a multi-month review, the IRS auditors accepted Jackson’s ERC claim in full – based on the strong documentation and legal arguments we presented. 5And that’s just one success story. We’ve guided countless other businesses through ERC audits, using the same meticulous approach. 6But you don’t have to take our word for it – just read the testimonials from our past clients. Or check out the media coverage we’ve received, from outlets like the New York Post, Newsweek, and more. 3 When it comes to high-stakes tax cases, we’re simply in a league of our own.
Why Go It Alone? We’re Here to Fight for You
Look, I know this ERC audit process can feel overwhelming. The rules are confusing, the stakes are high, and having the IRS scrutinize your business can be stressful, to say the least. 2But you don’t have to go through this alone. The experienced attorneys at Spodek Law Group are here to guide you through every single step – from documentation to legal strategy to IRS negotiations. 2 We’ll be your advocates, your counselors, and most importantly, your champions.So if you’re facing an ERC audit, don’t take chances. Don’t try to navigate this legal minefield on your own. Put an elite team of tax professionals in your corner – one that will fight tirelessly to protect your interests and your bottom line. 2The choice is yours: you can try to take on the IRS alone and risk costly penalties and credit repayments. Or you can hire Spodek Law Group, and rest easy knowing you have a powerful legal force on your side. 2
It’s simple: when it comes to high-stakes tax cases like ERC audits, you need to bring a fighter, not a friend. And we’re the heaviest hitters you’ll find. 2So what are you waiting for? If you’re staring down an ERC audit, pick up the phone and give us a call. Or shoot us a message through our website. 2 Let’s get to work on defending your business – and making sure you keep every hard-earned dollar of that credit. Because at the end of the day, that’s what we do best: we fight for our clients, and we win. It’s that simple.