Problems with ERC Provider/PEO

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered various relief measures, among which the Employee Retention Credit (ERC or ERTC) emerged as a crucial lifeline for businesses. Understanding and navigating the complexities of this credit proved challenging for many taxpayers and tax professionals alike. The legislation governing the ERC was somewhat vague, and guidance from the IRS regarding its interpretation was limited.

In response to this complexity, numerous companies emerged marketing themselves as ERC experts. Unfortunately, some of these ERTC Companies or ERC Mills provided improper advice regarding eligibility for the credit. Many charged significant upfront fees or fees contingent upon the credit's outcome, further exacerbating the situation.  These ERC companies scammed small businesses and these businesses are eligible for refunds and damages from these sham ERTC Promoters.

Seek Refunds of Fees Paid to ERC Scam Mills
Sham ERC Promoters are companies that told legitimate businesses they were “eligible” for the Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) – without doing a proper analysis or any analysis at all. Many of these companies’ “service agreements” include “disclaimers” to the effect that they are not providing “tax advice” or “CPA services” and are not “tax preparers” or “accountants.” At the same time, the companies told businesses they would calculate a business’s ERC in exchange for the business paying a fee based on a percentage of the calculated ERCs. Many of the businesses that did so later determined that it was a scam and they were not eligible for the credit and may be forced to repay a significant part of the credit amount or enter into a Voluntary Disclosure with the IRS.  

The IRS has warned about such “aggressive promoters making offers too good to be true” by “blasting ads on radio and the internet touting refunds involving Employee Retention Credits” “The aggressive marketing of these credits is deeply troubling and a major concern for the IRS” and “there are promoters misleading people and businesses into thinking they can claim these credits.”

Your business could be one of the many that Sham ERC Promoters – a multi-billion-dollar “industry” of sophisticated con artists – scammed their clients into claiming ERCs after paying nonrefundable “contingency fees.” If so, your business may be entitled to financial compensation.  Many of these ERC Mills will refund fees without having to file a lawsuit.  

Latest on ERC Processing Time & Fraud Alerts

Learn more about ERC refund processing time updates and fraudulent ERC provider details released by the IRS in 2023 and 2024.


Improperly Claimed ERC through an ERC Provider or PEO? Seek Legal Help to Recover Losses.
As a result, many businesses suffered damages due to improper advice on the Employee Retention Credit. If you find yourself in such a situation, seeking legal assistance may be advisable.  Frost Law performs an analysis regarding the calculation of the credit as well as determining eligibility. Additionally, Frost Law offers support for disputes with return preparers or ERC providers, helping affected businesses understand their options and potentially recover additional funds.Moreover, if your business utilized third-party payroll processors or Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to claim the credit, you may have additional considerations. Some PEOs may have failed to file for certain periods or retained a portion of the entitled refund (including interest), leading to further complications and potential losses.

Businesses Take Action Against ERC Fraud: Understand Your Legal Rights.
Lawsuits related to these issues have begun across the country, highlighting the severity of the situation. If you suspect that your business may have missed out on benefits or suffered losses due to improper handling of the ERC by third-party entities, Frost Law can provide guidance and support in exploring your options for potential recovery.

In summary, navigating the complexities of the Employee Retention Credit during the COVID-19 pandemic proved challenging for many businesses. Seeking legal assistance from firms like Frost Law can help businesses address disputes, understand their rights, and potentially recover any additional funds to which they may be entitled.

Meet the ERC Team

Meet Our Team of Attorneys and Tax Professionals Who Can Help You Maximize Your ERC Claim
Most payroll providers and other professionals do not have the time and resources needed to fully immerse themselves in the complex legislation and other moving parts of the ERTC. That is why we assembled a team of dedicated tax professionals who can work with business owners and financial officers to ensure that you optimize this important, but often misunderstood, tax credit. Even if you already obtained an opinion from another tax professional, we encourage you to spend some quality—and complimentary—time with our team.  After meeting with our team, you may find that a due diligence review increases your overall confidence in your claim; alternatively, you may discover additional ERC eligibility for quarters in which you did not experience a drop in revenue.

Email or call our team today for a no-cost ERC eligibility analysis. You owe it to yourself to make sure you are not leaving money on the table.

Did Your PEO or Payroll Provider Leave Money on the Table?

If your business used a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), they may have failed to properly file your ERTC claim. Frost Law can help you determine if your PEO breached its obligations and take action to recover potential lost tax benefits.

Are You Facing Financial Hardship As A Result Of A Delayed ERC Refund?

Your business may deserves its Employee Retention Tax Credit refund, but IRS delays can be crippling. If you desperately need those funds, there are options. The Taxpayer Advocate Service may be able to work with the IRS to expedite your claim. Law firms with extensive experience in tax matters, like ours, can help you navigate the TAS process and present a compelling case for urgent action.

Frequently Asked Questions

My PEO didn't file my ERC claim – what can I do?

Start by reviewing your contract with the PEO to see if they were obligated to file the ERC. If so, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Frost Law can help you assess your options and potentially take action to recover the lost tax benefits.

Can I still claim the ERTC if my PEO messed it up?

Potentially, yes. Even if your PEO made errors or didn't file, there might be a chance to rectify the situation. The deadline for claiming or amending ERC filings depends on the specific quarters. Contact Frost Law for a personalized consultation.

I think my PEO got my ERC refund wrong. What should I do?

ERTC calculations are complex, and errors are possible. Frost Law can review your ERC claim and the PEO's calculations to determine if you're entitled to a larger refund.

Is there a deadline to fix ERC issues with my PEO?

Potentially yes, the statute of limitations for claiming or amending your ERTC is approaching. Don't delay in seeking legal counsel. Frost Law can help you understand the deadlines and take timely action to protect your rights.

Contact Our Team Today