Last Updated on April 13, 2025 by Ewen Finser
ERC Specialists is a consulting and advising firm that was established in 2021 with a clear mission: to help U.S. businesses impacted by COVID-19 obtain the maximum available funds through the Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act. The company exclusively focuses on payroll tax expertise, positioning itself uniquely as an authority in ERC-related claims. They differentiate themselves by focusing where most CPA and professional firms do not, by specializing in payroll tax related matters instead of income tax, state tax, or sales tax.
A CPA’s Opinion: My Quick Take Up Front
ERC Specialists is another ERC company that specializes in helping claim the ERC credit, and they do this by being more familiar with payroll tax than the average professional. Although they’re no longer taking applications as of January 2024 due to an ongoing lawsuit, they provided run of the mill calculations and assurances to help business owners claim the funds they rightfully deserved from the chaos of the COVID 19 pandemic. If you still need to apply for ERC credit, I suggest going with an alternative (listed below).
What Services do ERC Specialists Offer?
ERC Specialists’ primary focus is ERC consultation and eligibility assessment. They provide a thorough evaluation of each business’s eligibility, assessing various criteria such as revenue reductions, governmental restrictions due to COVID-19, and disruptions to the supply chain. Their consultants ensure businesses accurately understand their potential ERC refunds without misleading or baiting business owners by promising them the moon. This is a refreshing experience from ERC Mills who want to push their clients around so they can take a 20% cut of the credit as revenue for themselves!
Additionally, they offer documentation and filing assistance for the ERC, which is their primary bread and butter. The company supports businesses throughout the documentation and filing process, assisting clients in organizing and securely submitting necessary documents. ERC Specialists meticulously prepares amended tax returns, ensuring accuracy to maximize the refunds businesses are entitled to receive. Often times, amended forms can be more challenging than the original returns, so having a firm that specializes in these types of matters helps relieve business owners of stress.
The third most comprehensive type of service they offer is audit support. Understanding the possibility of IRS scrutiny due to the ongoing moratorium, ERC Specialists offers comprehensive audit support services. Clients receive professional guidance and representation in the event of an IRS audit, reducing stress and potential complications from the audit process.
What is Their Process and How Long Does it Typically Take?
Initial Consultation
The process with ERC Specialists begins with an online eligibility form. Their straightforward consultation quickly assesses whether a business qualifies for ERC funding, setting the stage for a detailed analysis.
Documentation Submission
ERC Specialists utilizes an intuitive, secure online portal, enabling clients to easily upload and manage the necessary documentation. This streamlined process simplifies data collection, allowing ERC Specialists to effectively manage and organize client information.
Analysis and Filing
Upon receiving client documentation, ERC Specialists conduct a thorough analysis to calculate potential refunds. They meticulously complete all required forms and submit amended returns to the IRS, ensuring compliance with current tax guidelines.
Refund Timeline
ERC refunds depend on IRS processing times, which can vary significantly. ERC Specialists keep their clients informed throughout this waiting period, providing estimated timelines and ongoing support until the refund is received.
Fees and Pricing Structure
Contingency-Based Fees
ERC Specialists operate on a contingency-based pricing model, meaning their fee is contingent upon successfully securing refunds. Clients have flexible options, either paying a discounted fee upfront or deferring payment until after receiving their refund. This is common amongst firms who specialize in processing ERC claims.
Comparison to Industry Standards
ERC Specialists’ fees are competitive with industry standards. While some providers might offer lower initial rates, ERC Specialists’ expertise and high success rates justify their pricing structure, making them a viable option for businesses prioritizing results.
Note that ERC Specialists is currently involved in a lawsuit regarding high fees.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Clients frequently praise ERC Specialists for their professionalism, responsiveness, and significant results. Many businesses report receiving larger refunds than expected, highlighting the company’s ability to identify every possible qualifying factor for ERC eligibility.
However, despite many positive reviews, some clients express concerns about delays in communication or responses. The absence of a dedicated support representative has occasionally led to frustration, indicating an opportunity for ERC Specialists to enhance their client service experience.
Comparisons to Competitors
IRS Plus:
IRS Plus differentiates itself by paying meticulous attention to detail, minimizing the risk of audit and delays. By ensuring no mistakes, IRSPlus claims they can reduce processing time by ensuring the IRS receives everything correctly the first time.
Most ERC applications are stalled with traditional CPAs and accounting firms. The only firm I've found that is able to expedite and get ERC funds approved in this environment is IRSplus.
Omega Accounting Solutions:
Omega Accounting Solutions provides similar ERC-related services but offers additional financial tools like bridge loans, which ERC Specialists currently does not offer. This can be advantageous for businesses needing immediate funding solutions.
Bottom Line Concepts:
Bottom Line Concepts has established a reputation for working with larger companies, often securing substantial ERC funds. Businesses with extensive operations might find Bottom Line Concepts more suitable due to their scale and resources.
Lendio:
Lendio differs by providing broader financial services, including business loans and credit solutions alongside ERC claims assistance. Small businesses needing diverse financial services might prefer the comprehensive solutions provided by Lendio.
As a licensed professional in the accounting world, I see no issue with having used ERC Specialists as a competent resource for helping claim a complicated tax credit. Although their fee can be argued as high, it doesn’t fall outside of expectations for other similar companies for the services they provide.
ERC Specialists have distinguished themselves as experts dedicated exclusively to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), establishing a niche in which they excel. Although some clients have complained that areas for potential improvement include communication and client support, their overall reputation and track record make them a strong option for professional ERC claim guidance.
Note: As of January 2024, ERC Specialists stopped accepting new ERC applications, according to their website. They are now exclusively focused on assisting existing clients. This is due to an ongoing lawsuit regarding high fees. Since they’re no longer accepting clients, I would suggest going with one of the alternative options I’ve listed above for your ERC application needs.