Many churches and religious organizations have found themselves grappling with the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. ERC for churches, also known as the Employee Retention Credit, has emerged as a significant lifeline during these challenging times.
This federal initiative is designed to provide monetary relief to eligible employers who keep their staff on the payroll despite facing economic hardship due to the crisis. It’s not just about businesses; it’s applicable to non-profits too, including churches and places of worship.
The ERC offers substantial benefits if you meet specific criteria. For instance, in 2023, your organization could claim up to $5k per employee while in 2023 this amount was increased dramatically up to $28k per worker!
Figuring out if you’re eligible can get tricky, especially when things like a drop in gross receipts and qualifying wages come into play. But hey, no need to stress.
Understanding the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) for Churches
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) plays a crucial role in the COVID-19 relief efforts. It is part of a comprehensive plan to provide financial assistance to organizations, including churches, affected by the global pandemic. This tax break is intended to aid these organizations in retaining their personnel and keeping them on the payroll.
In 2023, organizations could receive up to $5,000 per employee through the ERC program. However, as we entered 2023 and continued to face economic challenges due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, the maximum credit amount increased significantly to $28,000 per employee.
How Does The ERC Credit Help Churches?
The ERC for churches and other non-profit entities is a lifeline during these difficult times. It provides them with the financial support they need to retain their workforce without undue strain.
Regardless of the size or denomination of your church, you may be eligible for the ERC if you can demonstrate significant disruption in operations due to government-imposed restrictions related to COVID-19 or a sharp decline in gross receipts compared to the same quarter(s) of the previous year(s).
Making Sense Of Eligibility & Application Process
If you want your church to be eligible for ERC benefits, it is essential to understand the eligibility requirements and follow the correct application process outlined by the IRS. There are resources available that provide guidance on how your church can qualify based on either full/partial suspension criteria or sharp decline criteria. These resources also provide specific instructions on the claiming procedure once eligibility is established.
Note: Dealing with complex aspects of tax laws, especially when significant amounts are involved, such as the potential $28,000 per eligible staff member during the 2023 period, can be challenging. It is recommended to seek expert guidance in order to abide by the regulations and take full advantage of the ERC program.
Claim the ERC for Churches: Eligibility Requirements
Understanding the eligibility criteria for this credit is crucial to fully benefit from its provisions.
Role of Gross Receipts in Determining Eligibility
To qualify as an eligible employer under the ERC guidelines, a church must demonstrate significant economic hardship caused by COVID-19. The IRS considers various factors, including gross receipts from different years.
If your church’s gross receipts were less than half (-50%) of those in 2023, you may be eligible for the ERTC in 2023. This substantial reduction indicates the financial impact of the pandemic on your organization.
In 2023, even a smaller decline of -20% or more compared to 2023 can make you eligible for aid through ERC. This recognizes that many churches continue to face financial challenges in the later stages of the pandemic.
Gross receipts encompass all revenue received or accrued without subtracting any costs or expenses incurred in earning them. For more details on these criteria, refer to Section 6033(a)(1) of Title 26. Remember, it’s not just the sum gained but also when it was acquired that is most critical in establishing qualification.
Note: The above information serves as general guidance only. Each church’s situation may vary based on specific circumstances and local regulations. It is advisable to consult professional ERC advisors or legal counsel before making decisions regarding the claim of credits such as ERC.
This section provides essential information about the eligibility criteria for ERC for churches, with a particular focus on the significance of gross receipt declines compared to pre-pandemic levels. By carefully considering these criteria and seeking expert advice, qualifying religious organizations can effectively utilize this opportunity to maintain their vital community services during these challenging times
Understanding Qualifying Wages under ERC
It is important to understand what constitutes qualifying wages in this context.
Qualified wages include those that an eligible employer pays from March 13 through December 31 each year. This period encompasses times when business operations were either fully or partially suspended due to governmental orders related to COVID-19, or during quarters where there was a substantial drop in gross receipts compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
Exclusions from Qualifying Wages
Determining which types of pay are excluded from qualified wages is crucial for ERC eligibility. For church organizations, ministers’ salaries serve as a prime example.
According to IRS guidelines, while most employees’ salaries fall within qualifying wage calculations, it is important for churches to note that ministers’ earnings do not count towards their total qualifying wage tally when claiming ERTC. The main reason is that many clergy members are considered self-employed and file Schedule SE with their personal income tax returns rather than holding traditional employee status within their religious organization.
This means any compensation provided directly or indirectly by a church or other religious institution for services performed as a minister cannot be counted towards ERC qualification – even if they are employed and receive regular salary payments throughout specified dates as other staff members do between March 13th and December 31st each year.
The exclusion applies irrespective of whether these amounts represent payment for sacerdotal activities, administrative duties associated with functioning as head of churches, conducting worship services, or performing ceremonial functions. This significantly affects how much help your establishment may potentially receive through this federal aid program designed to offset pandemic-induced economic distress experienced across various sectors nationwide, including faith-based entities such as yours.
Calculating Maximum Credit under ERC
Your church, like an employer figuring out payrolls and withholding taxes, must calculate the maximum credit claimable under the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). This isn’t just a mundane task but rather an opportunity to gain substantial relief during these challenging times.
Determining Applicable Quarters
The process starts with identifying applicable quarters. Think of it as your wage period calculation; you’re determining when exactly you paid wages and experienced a reduction in gross receipts due to COVID-19. You can find more about this here.
In 2023, any quarter where gross receipts saw a significant drop compared to 2023 is considered eligible. However, for 2023 claims, only one quarter needs at least a 20% reduction from its equivalent two years prior.
Maximizing Your Claim Amounts
The next step involves calculating potential benefits – much like how employers figure out FICA contributions for their employees’ Social Security or Medicare coverage. For each employee in all eligible quarters combined in 2023, the maximum claim ERC limit is $5,000; however, that amount increased up to $28,000 per employee across qualifying quarters of 2023.
Incorporating Wages Paid and Gross Receipts into Calculations
Fittingly enough, similar principles apply while incorporating wages paid during eligible periods into calculations – not unlike how employers consider different components of salary packages while doing payroll computations.
Gross receipts are also integral parts of these calculations. They include total sales (net returns), income from services rendered plus interest/investment earnings, etc., minus the cost of goods sold – elements reminiscent of factors used by businesses when computing net incomes.
Navigating the Interaction between ERC and Other Government Programs
Think of the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and other government programs like siblings in a family. They all belong to the same parent – The CARES Act, but they have different roles and responsibilities.
Distinguishing Between PPP Loans and Employee Retention Credits
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), for instance, is like an older sibling stepping up during hard times caused by COVID-19 restrictions or a government mandate. It’s there to provide help so businesses can keep paying their employees even when revenue dips.
The ERC acts in a distinct way, offering its own unique assistance. This tax credit comes into play against specific employment taxes, giving back 50% of qualified wages that an eligible employer pays out. Although it was born from The CARES Act, it has evolved over time with tweaks from Acts such as TCDTRA and ARPA.
When you’re figuring out how much each program can give your organization, though, remember this: PPP loans are about maintaining employee compensation levels during covered periods while ERTC gives incentives for employers who face significant disruption due to governmental orders related to COVID-19 restrictions yet continue operating anyway.
A couple of things worth noting:
- You won’t be able to claim ERC on wages paid using forgiven PPP funds – just like how you wouldn’t use money saved for college fees towards buying groceries.
- If certain wage amounts go towards seeking forgiveness on your PPP loan amount, those particular wage amounts don’t qualify towards calculating your ERTC entitlements.
Filing Process & Forms Required to Claim The ERC for Churches
Just like how your employer calculates your pay and deducts federal payroll taxes, churches also need to calculate their eligible Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and claim it on Form 941. This form, similar to the withholding taxes from your wages, is submitted each quarter as part of the regular tax return filing process with the IRS. It is an essential step for claiming the ERC.
Yes, it is possible to claim missed credits. Churches can amend past submissions using Form 941-X. Think of this as retroactively adjusting the payroll tax you paid before realizing that you were actually owed some credit.
Tackling Retroactive Claims & Deadlines
Amending forms is not the only consideration; timing matters too. The deadlines set by the IRS are rigid, similar to when employers have strict cut-off times for wage calculations or payment adjustments.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have caused disruptions in businesses, including churches, but remember: You have three years from the date the original return was filed or two years from the date payment was made – whichever comes later – to file these amendments without missing out on any due credits.
Navigating Additional Considerations when Claiming ERC for Churches
When it comes to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), churches find themselves in a unique position. They must carefully consider factors such as the number of full-time employees, sick leave policies, and ethical considerations regarding fee arrangements with professionals assisting with claims.
The Full-Time Church Employees Count Puzzle
Just as churches count every soul, they must also count every employee. Only those working 30 hours or more weekly, or 130 hours monthly, are considered full-time employees according to IRS regulations; therefore, it is important to maintain an accurate count of them for ERC claim purposes. Only those working 30+ hours weekly or 130+ hours monthly meet the criteria of full-time employees as determined by the IRS. It is crucial to keep an accurate tally of full-time employees, as it can impact the ERC claim.
Sick Leave Policies – A Potential Goldmine
Churches can benefit from their paid sick leave policies when applying for the ERC. If an employee was paid while quarantined or seeking medical diagnosis for COVID-19 symptoms, their wages may qualify under certain conditions outlined by the Department of Labor’s guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This applies even if no services were performed during that time.
Ethical Restrictions On Fee Arrangements – Not Just Heavenly Matters
When seeking professional help for the ERC claim process, it is important to be aware of ethical restrictions on fee arrangements. Tax advisors are prohibited from charging fees based on the potential credit a church might receive from the government. Compliance with these ethics rules is essential.
FICA/Medicare Program Participation Impact – To Be Or Not To Be?
Some churches choose not to participate in FICA/Medicare programs due to religious beliefs. However, this decision can affect their ability to include certain employees’ wages in ERC calculations. It is crucial to carefully weigh the implications before making such election decisions, as wisdom should prevail over material gains.
Get The ERC For Your Church Today
Understanding the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) can provide significant financial relief for churches. It is important for churches to be aware of the specific eligibility criteria based on gross receipts and qualifying wages. Additionally, it is crucial to understand how to calculate the maximum credit under ERC and how it interacts with other government programs such as PPP loans. Properly navigating the filing process and paying attention to additional considerations is also essential when claiming credits.
If you are a church or religious organization seeking to take advantage of this opportunity, we encourage you to explore further. At ERC Today, we are committed to assisting businesses in fully utilizing the Employee Retention Credit (ERTC) as part of the COVID-19 Relief efforts.
To learn more about how your church may qualify for these retention tax credits, start the ERC application process today!
