Vending Machines

The convenience services industry—vending and unattended retail—was significantly impacted during the pandemic. And the industry was undeniably critical during the pandemic, especially since many first responders, working around the clock, often had only just enough time to grab a snack or beverage from these sources. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, with the closure of many typical locations where vending/unattended retail services thrive (government office buildings, nursing homes, etc.), the convenience services industry faced dramatically reduced revenue streams.  But the convenience services industry still has the opportunity to access significant cash relief via a refundable employee payroll tax credit—the ERC. And employers should remember that the ERC is available even if they already received PPP loans.

The ERC remains one of the biggest relief opportunities available to businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. ERC eligibility may arise from actual closures, operations restricted by governmental orders, or showing that the business suffered a reduction in gross receipts (50% decline or 20% decline in gross receipts for the relevant quarter(s) in 2020 and 2021, respectively, as compared to the same 2019 quarter(s)).