Criminal Defense Lawyers

Best California ERC Audit Lawyers?

The Ultimate Guide to Handling an ERC Audit in California

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm, to handle your ERC audit in California. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Most law firms implement a cookie cutter strategy in order to fight your case, and save their own time. They don’t look carefully at your situation – they simply want to move on to the next case.

At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stones unturned. We do everything possible to win. Everything we do is focused on getting you results. We understand the difficulties and challenges of going through a case. If you’re accused of a crime, schedule a consultation with our criminal attorneys today.

What is the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)?

But first, let’s discuss what the ERC actually is. The Employee Retention Credit was a tax credit, introduced as part of the COVID-19 relief efforts. It was designed to encourage businesses, to keep employees on payroll – during the pandemic.Eligible employers could claim up to:

• $5,000 per employee for 2020
• $21,000 per employee for 2021

To qualify, businesses had to show:

• A full or partial suspension of operations, due to COVID-19 orders
• A significant decline in gross receipts, compared to 2019

Sounds simple enough, right? Well, not quite.

Why is the IRS Auditing the ERC?

The IRS has raised concerns, about improper ERC claims. They suspect some businesses took advantage of the program’s complexity, to claim more credits than they deserved. As a result, the IRS is cracking down hard on ERC audits. They’ve even extended the statute of limitations, giving themselves 5 years to audit ERC claims (instead of the usual 3). So, if you claimed the ERC, you could be facing an IRS audit soon. And trust us, you don’t want to go through that alone.Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force to them. Without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could’ve won the case. The only way to truly know is to hire a private criminal defense attorney.At Spodek Law Group – we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach. It means researching the exact situation surrounding your case, and putting in the leg work to be familiar with every single intimate detail. Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold firm meetings in order to discuss and address all of our cases. In the event of an emergency – we have a full team of lawyers available to help you.

What to Expect During an ERC Audit

So, what do you do, if you get hit – with one of these things?First, the IRS will send you a letter, notifying you of the audit. This letter will outline the information they need from you, like:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

Load more

Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

• Payroll records
• Financial statements
• Documentation of COVID-19 impacts
• Calculations showing your ERC claim

You’ll have a limited window to respond, usually around 30 days. Missing this deadline could result in penalties or having your claim denied entirely. Next, the IRS will likely request an in-person interview and site visit. We generally do not advise taxpayers to attend these meetings, but to send legal representation instead. Engage an experienced tax attorney to field inquiries on your behalf. They can provide a professional buffer between you and the IRS, and can defer responses if needed to formulate full, accurate answers. Relying on counsel also helps avoid inadvertent admissions, confusion, or misremembering details that could weaken your audit defense.

How to Prepare for an ERC Audit

Regardless of how tough your situation is – we are here to help you. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to have a solution for you, irrespective of the situation you find yourself in. Many clients are often embarrassed by their situation, and don’t speak openly about their alleged issue. We encourage open dialogue, and recommend full transparency – so we can give you the best possible legal advice. To prepare for an ERC audit, you’ll need to gather extensive documentation proving your eligibility.

This includes:

• Records showing compliance with COVID-19 orders
• Calculations of your decline in gross receipts
• Employee information and wages paid
• Health plan costs allocated to ERC wages
• Copies of any amended payroll tax returns

It’s critical to organize these records logically and keep your own copies. Recognize that you may experience employee/vendor/system changes over the next several years, that could make it difficult to go back and reconstruct these records. Having solid evidence available now could save considerable time and headaches down the road. The IRS may deny requests for additional time to respond to inquiries. So, it is wise to thoroughly prepare ERC documentation in advance, rather than trying to construct a case mid-audit.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group?

Don’t wait for an audit notice to review your ERC claim. Here are three good reasons to start now:

1. Voluntary Disclosure: If you haven’t received an audit notice yet, the ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program remains an option until March 22, 2024. This program allows businesses that received but were not entitled to any ERC, to proactively come forward and repay 80% of the credit, without further penalty or fee. It’s important to note that this applies only to unintentional errors, not willfully fraudulent claims.
2. Corrections: Double check eligibility criteria and credit calculations. If you’re concerned, it may be a good idea to have a tax attorney proactively review your claim. Consider amending claims preemptively, even past the March 22 deadline, if substantial problems are found.
3. Record Keeping: It’s critical to organize these records logically and keep your own copies. Recognize that you may experience employee/vendor/system changes over the next several years, that could make it difficult to go back and reconstruct these records. Having solid evidence available now could save considerable time and headaches down the road. The IRS may deny requests for additional time to respond to inquiries. So, it is wise to thoroughly prepare ERC documentation in advance, rather than trying to construct a case mid-audit.

If your business is selected for an ERC audit, expect an interview and site visit. We generally do not advise taxpayers to attend these meetings, but to send legal representation instead.Engage an experienced tax attorney to field inquiries on your behalf. They can provide a professional buffer between you and the IRS, and can defer responses if needed to formulate full, accurate answers. Relying on counsel also helps avoid inadvertent admissions, confusion, or misremembering details that could weaken your audit defense.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group for Your ERC Audit?

The Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide. We have offices in NYC and Los Angeles.When you work with us, you can expect:

• A team that leaves no stones unturned in preparing for your audit
• Attorneys who are intimately familiar with every detail of your case
• A firm that holds regular meetings to discuss and strategize your case
• Lawyers who are available 24/7 in case of emergencies
• A hands-on approach that is focused on getting you results

We understand that facing an ERC audit can be embarrassing and stressful. That’s why we encourage open dialogue and full transparency. The more we know, the better we can advise and represent you. If you’re facing an ERC audit, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. The experienced lawyers at Spodek Law Group are here to guide you through the process, and fight for your interests.

The Role of an ERC Audit Lawyer

An ERC audit lawyer is your ally during this process. They can:

• Review your ERC claim and identify any potential issues
• Help you gather and organize necessary documentation
• Communicate with the IRS on your behalf
• Represent you during the audit
• Negotiate with the IRS if there are any disputes
• Appeal the audit results if necessary

Having a skilled lawyer on your side can not only ease your stress, but also increase your chances of a favorable outcome.When it comes to choosing an ERC audit lawyer, you want someone who is:

• Experienced in handling ERC audits
• Knowledgeable about tax law and the ERC
• Responsive and communicative
• Committed to protecting your interests

At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on meeting all these criteria and more. Our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to helping businesses navigate ERC audits with confidence.

What Sets Spodek Law Group Apart

Here’s what sets us apart:

Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your unique situation, and tailor our approach accordingly.

Comprehensive Service: We handle all aspects of your ERC audit, from preparation to representation.

Aggressive Advocacy: We assertively protect your interests, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.

Clear Communication: We keep you informed at every step, and are always available to answer your questions.

National Reach: With offices in NYC and Los Angeles, we serve clients nationwide.

The Spodek Law Group Difference

We’re not your average, run-of-the-mill law firm. We’re a team of legal heavyweights, with a reputation that precedes us.Our founding partner, Todd Spodek, is a seasoned trial attorney with a track record of success that’s been featured in major media outlets like the New York Post, Newsweek, and Fox 5 New York. But it’s not just about the accolades; it’s about our unwavering commitment to our clients. When you work with us, you’re not just getting a law firm; you’re getting a partner, a trusted ally who will leave no stones unturned in pursuit of the best possible outcome. We’re not afraid to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty, researching every intimate detail of your case and holding firm meetings to address every angle.

Don’t Face an ERC Audit Alone

If you’ve claimed the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and are now facing an audit, you might be feeling overwhelmed. But, take a deep breath. With the right legal guidance, you can navigate this process with confidence.An ERC audit is an examination by the IRS to verify the legitimacy of your ERC claim. The IRS wants to ensure that businesses have correctly calculated and claimed the credit.So, what triggers an ERC audit? It could be a random selection, or the IRS might have identified something in your claim that raised a red flag. Regardless of the reason, it’s crucial to take the audit seriously and prepare thoroughly.When it comes to an ERC audit, preparation is key. Here are some steps you can take:

• Gather all relevant documents: This includes payroll records, financial statements, tax returns, and your ERC calculations. Having these documents organized and ready will make the audit process smoother.
• Review your ERC claim: Go over your ERC calculations to ensure they’re accurate. If you identify any errors, it’s better to address them proactively.
• Understand the audit process: Familiarize yourself with what to expect during the audit. This will help you feel more prepared and less anxious.
• Seek legal counsel: Working with an experienced ERC audit lawyer can make a significant difference. They can guide you through the process, help you prepare, and represent your interests.

At Spodek Law Group, we have extensive experience guiding businesses through complex tax matters, including ERC audits. Our team of seasoned attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and interests throughout the process. Don’t go it alone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate your ERC audit with confidence. Call us today at 212-210-1851.