ERC Tax Credit Florida 2025: How to Qualify and Maximize Your Refund
Why Florida Businesses Are Still Missing Out on ERC
Thousands of Florida employers haven’t claimed the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)—a refundable payroll tax credit worth up to $26,000 per employee. Unlike a deduction, this is cash back from the IRS.
We’ve already helped businesses across Florida—from Miami restaurants to Tampa manufacturers—recover over $10 million in ERC refunds. If you haven’t filed yet, time is running out.
What Is the ERC Tax Credit?
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a federal payroll tax refund for businesses that kept employees during COVID-19.
2020: Up to $5,000 per employee for the year
2021: Up to $7,000 per employee, per quarter (first three quarters)
Maximum Refund: $26,000 per employee
👉 Florida employers can still claim ERC refunds retroactively in 2025 by amending payroll tax returns.
Who Qualifies for the ERC in Florida?
You may be eligible if you had W-2 employees in 2020 or 2021 and experienced:
1. Revenue Declines
2020: At least 50% decline vs. same quarter in 2019
2021: At least 20% decline vs. same quarter in 2019
2. COVID-19 Shutdowns or Restrictions
Restaurants limited to takeout/delivery
Gyms and fitness centers forced to close
Travel, hospitality, and event businesses affected
Private schools and nonprofits impacted
3. Recovery Startup Businesses
Companies launched after February 15, 2020, may qualify for ERC as well.
⚠️ Important: Owner wages and family wages are not eligible, and general supply chain disruptions do not qualify unless your supplier was under a government order.
ERC and PPP Loans: Can You Claim Both?
Yes. Florida businesses that took PPP loans can still claim the ERC. However, you cannot use the same wages for both programs. Square Accounting ensures your filings stay compliant.
ERC Filing Deadlines for 2025
The ERC program officially ended in 2021, but retroactive claims are still open:
2020 ERC claims: Deadline April 15, 2024 (expired)
2021 ERC claims: Deadline April 15, 2025 (still open)
👉 Act fast. Pending legislation may retroactively disallow ERC claims filed after January 31, 2024.
Step-by-Step: How to Claim ERC in Florida
Filing for ERC in 2025 requires amending payroll tax returns:
Verify eligibility
Calculate qualified wages + healthcare expenses
File IRS Form 941-X (Amended Payroll Tax Return)
Submit documentation and wait for IRS processing
📌 Tip: Refunds may take 6–12 months due to IRS backlogs and audit scrutiny.
Real Example: Florida ERC Refund Success
A Fort Lauderdale restaurant with 18 employees qualified for:
2020: $55,000 refund
2021: $210,000 refund
✅ Total ERC refund: $265,000
They reinvested the cash into staff retention and expansion.
Common ERC Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Claiming ineligible wages (owners or family members)
Double-counting PPP wages
Missing proof of government shutdown orders
Filing under the wrong quarter
Why Florida Employers Choose Square Accounting
Square Accounting is Florida’s ERC expert. We provide:
ERC compliance specialists (over $10M recovered for Florida clients)
Audit-ready documentation for every claim
End-to-end ERC filing service (eligibility, paperwork, PPP allocation, and IRS response management)
Final Word: Don’t Leave ERC Money on the Table
If your Florida business had employees in 2020 or 2021, you could qualify for a five- or six-figure ERC refund. But the April 15, 2025, deadline is approaching fast.
📞 Call Square Accounting today or visit www.sqaccounting.com to schedule your free ERC review.
Frequently Asked Questions About ERC in Florida (2025)
1. Can Florida businesses still claim the ERC in 2025?
Yes. You can file retroactive ERC claims for 2021 until April 15, 2025.
2. How much can my business get from ERC?
Up to $26,000 per employee, depending on wages and eligibility.
3. How long do ERC refunds take in 2025?
IRS processing is delayed—refunds may take 6–12 months.
4. Is ERC taxable in Florida?
No state income tax applies in Florida, but the IRS requires ERC refunds to be reported as income if you didn’t adjust wage deductions on your tax return.
5. Why should I use Square Accounting for ERC filing?
We’re Florida-based ERC experts who manage eligibility, filing, and audit protection—ensuring you maximize your refund while staying compliant.
