Filing and eligibility assistance

If you're looking for someone to review your payroll records, determine whether your business qualified for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), and help with IRS paperwork, I'd prioritize an ERC tax-credit specialist or an experienced CPA who understands payroll tax credits.

I found a couple of Connecticut-area options worth investigating, including one that specifically focuses on ERC claims.

My recommendations

1. ERC Genie

(My first call)

Connecticut-based ERC specialist

• Specifically focuses on ERC eligibility and calculations.
• Offers payroll review and filing assistance.
• Reports helping employers prepare IRS documentation.

Phone: 203-480-0300

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2. ClarkHirth

Farmington, Connecticut

• CPA-led accounting practice.
• Lists Employee Retention Credit services.
• Experience with business accounting and tax matters.

Phone: 860-904-4436

Address: 304 Main St, Farmington, CT.

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3. Marrocco Frank D CPA

New Britain, Connecticut

• Established local CPA practice.
• Payroll preparation and payroll tax reporting.
• Worth contacting for an independent review or referral to an ERC specialist.

Phone: 860-229-7479

Important ERC update before you hire anyone

There is something important you should know.

Under the 2025 federal law, new ERC claims filed after January 31, 2024, generally cannot be allowed or refunded. So, as of October 2026, a company advertising that it can file a brand-new ERC claim for you deserves extra scrutiny.

However, professionals can still help review previously filed claims, respond to IRS notices, handle audits, and pursue eligible appeals.www.irs.gov+2

The IRS also specifically warns against companies charging fees based on a percentage of your refund or guaranteeing eligibility.www.irs.gov+1

Let me narrow this down for your business

I'd like to help you find the right person rather than just send you to an ERC marketing company.

Three quick questions:

1. Did you already file an ERC claim, or are you trying to determine whether you can still claim it?
2. Approximately how many employees did your business have in 2020–2021?
3. What type of business do you operate?

With those answers, I can help identify the best professional for reviewing your payroll records, checking eligibility, and protecting you from questionable ERC claims.

Yes. There are legitimate accounting firms and tax advisory practices that specialize in Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims. However, I would be very selective about whom you hire.

My biggest recommendation is to use an established CPA or tax advisory firm that can substantiate your eligibility, maximize the credit under IRS rules, and represent your business if the IRS challenges the claim. I would avoid companies whose primary business model is selling ERC refunds for a percentage of the proceeds.

There is also an important 2026 consideration: the opportunity to file new ERC claims has largely closed. The remaining work is primarily processing existing claims, handling IRS examinations, appeals, and correcting or defending previously filed claims.

Firms I would put on your shortlist

These are established professional-services firms with relevant tax expertise. They are not endorsements or guarantees of a successful ERC outcome.

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1. Aprio

(Best starting point)

• Has a dedicated ERC Audit & Controversy practice.
• Reviews eligibility, wage calculations and supporting documentation.
• Offers audit preparation and professional opinion memoranda.

Website: Aprio ERC services.www.aprio.com

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2. RSM US

• Established business tax and advisory firm.
• Experienced in IRS examinations, appeals and refund disputes.
• Worth considering for businesses with complicated tax situations.

Website: RSM tax controversy services.rsmus.com

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3. Holland & Knight

• Tax controversy and litigation capabilities.
• Appropriate for disputed claims, IRS appeals and potential litigation.
• Particularly worth considering if the IRS has challenged your refund.

Website: Holland & Knight.

Of these, I would start with Aprio if you want a dedicated ERC review, and RSM if you want broader tax controversy expertise.

Important: How to avoid an ERC recovery scam

The IRS specifically warns against ERC promoters who:

• Charge 20–30% or more of the refund.
• Promise that virtually every business qualifies.
• Claim they can determine eligibility in minutes.
• Won't provide the detailed calculations and legal basis for the claim.
• Refuse to sign the tax return they prepare.

These are documented IRS warning signs.www.irs.gov+1

What I would want a firm to do

Before hiring anyone, ask for:

1. Independent eligibility analysis: Review every qualifying quarter separately.
2. Government-order analysis: Identify the specific government orders that affected your operations, if relying on suspension.
3. Payroll reconciliation: Review W-2 wages, PPP forgiveness, ownership rules and other overlapping credits.
4. Documentation: Produce a defensible written analysis supporting the refund.
5. IRS representation: Have qualified professionals available to handle examinations, appeals and correspondence.

A few questions so I can narrow this down

I can help identify firms that are better suited to your particular situation rather than simply recommending large accounting companies.

1. Have you already filed an ERC claim?

• A. No, I haven't filed.
• B. Yes, but I'm still waiting for my refund.
• C. Yes, I received the refund.
• D. Yes, but the IRS has questioned or denied it.

2. Approximately how many employees did your business have in 2019?

• A. 1–10
• B. 11–25
• C. 26–50
• D. 51–100
• E. More than 100

3. What state is your business located in?

One important distinction: If you haven't filed, the normal filing deadlines have passed. In particular, new claims for the third and fourth quarters of 2021 are barred under the 2025 legislation if filed after January 31, 2024.www.irs.gov+2

With those details, I can narrow the shortlist to firms that actually handle your type of ERC situation and help you avoid paying a large fee for services you may not need.

Below is a list of professional firms that specialize in Employee Retention Credit (ERC) calculations, preparation of amended payroll tax returns (IRS Form 941-X), and supporting documentation for ERC claims.

I've included firms that specifically advertise ERC services, rather than general payroll-processing companies.

One important consideration: As of October 2026, the IRS has closed the filing window for most new ERC claims. The deadlines for 2020 and 2021 claims have passed, and certain ERC-related lines on Form 941-X are now reserved because the correction periods have expired. However, professional assistance may still be available for previously filed claims, IRS notices, examinations, and other unresolved matters.stentam.com+1

1. Professional ERC calculation and filing companies

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1. ERC Prep

(Full-service ERC preparation)

• Analyzes ERC eligibility.
• Calculates qualifying wages and credits.
• Prepares supporting documentation.
• Prepares Form 941-X and assists with filing.
• Works with payroll, PEO, HRIS and accounting systems.

Website:ercprep.com+1

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2. ERC Advisors USA

• Reviews payroll records and original 941 filings.
• Calculates ERC amounts.
• Prepares amended payroll tax returns.
• Offers a secure client portal.
• Advertises ready-to-file amended returns.

Website:ercadvisorsusa.com+3

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3. ERC Experts LLC

• Reviews employer eligibility.
• Analyzes payroll records.
• Calculates ERC credits.
• Prepares Form 941-X for qualifying quarters.

Philadelphia-based.

Website:ercexpertsllc.com

Phone: 610-541-2550www.ercexpertsllc.com

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4. Stenson Tamaddon (StenTam)

(Tax compliance and existing claims)

• Tax attorneys and CPAs.
• ERC compliance reviews.
• Claim documentation and technical analysis.
• IRS examination and audit support.
• Assistance with previously submitted claims.

Particularly worth considering if you have an existing ERC claim requiring professional review.

Website:stentam.com+2

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5. KBKG

• ERC eligibility assessments.
• Qualified wage calculations.
• PPP loan reconciliation.
• Form 941-X preparation support.
• Documentation supporting ERC calculations.

Also works with accounting and tax professionals.

Website:kbkg.com+1

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6. EZ-Advisors

• ERC calculations.
• Preparation of amended Forms 941-X.
• Payroll tax reconciliation.
• Assistance coordinating with payroll providers.

Website:ez-advisors.com+1

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7. ERTC Gov

• ERC eligibility analysis.
• CPA-based credit calculations.
• Payroll data review.
• Preparation and filing assistance for Form 941-X.

Website:ertcgov.com+1

Note: Verify current services and availability before engaging.

2. What I would look for when selecting a firm

Not every ERC company performs the entire process. Some calculate the credit and prepare the paperwork but leave the actual filing to the employer's payroll provider or CPA.

I would ask each company whether it provides all of the following:

3. Important questions to ask before hiring

I recommend asking these questions during your initial consultation:

1. Do you have CPAs, enrolled agents or tax attorneys involved in your ERC work?
2. Do you actually prepare and submit Form 941-X, or only calculate the credit?
3. Can you review previously filed ERC claims for errors?
4. Can you handle IRS correspondence, examinations and refund disputes?
5. Do you provide employee-by-employee calculations and supporting workpapers?
6. What are your fees, and do you charge for reviewing an existing ERC claim?

My recommendation: Start by contacting ERC Prep, KBKG, and Stenson Tamaddon. They offer different approaches to ERC preparation and tax compliance, making them useful firms to compare.

One important caution: Have the firm verify the applicable filing deadline and whether your particular matter is still actionable before paying a contingency fee.

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4. One question to narrow down the best providers

Are you looking for a company to:

• A. Calculate ERC credits and prepare and file new amended Forms 941-X.
• B. Review previously prepared or filed ERC returns and correct errors.
• C. Handle existing ERC claims, including IRS notices, audits, and refund delays.
• D. Provide outsourced ERC calculation and 941-X preparation services for your CPA or payroll company.

The distinction matters because the firms that specialize in calculating and preparing amended payroll returns aren't necessarily the same firms that handle IRS examinations and corrections.

When looking for professional assistance with the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)—specifically for calculating credits, amending past payroll tax returns (such as Form 941-X ), and ensuring strict IRS compliance—it is critical to rely on licensed, reputable providers rather than aggressive third-party "ERC mills" that surfaced during the peak of the pandemic.irs.gov+2

The statutory deadlines to claim the ERC for 2020 and 2021 quarters have passed (April 15, 2024, and April 15, 2025, respectively). Therefore, professional services currently focus heavily on amended filings, compliance/validity reviews, withdrawing incorrect claims , and IRS audit defense.zmflaw.com+2

Categories of Professional Services for ERC Compliance

• National and Regional CPA Firms: Top-tier accounting firms (such as RSM US, BDO, Baker Tilly, Grant Thornton, and large regional practices) have specialized tax controversy and credits/incentives groups. They evaluate original payroll data against complex operational suspension or gross receipts tests and handle precise Form 941-X amendments and corresponding income tax return adjustments.corporatetaxadvisors.com+1
• Specialized Tax Law Firms: Boutique and full-service tax law firms (e.g., specialized practices like Zerbe, Miller, Fingeret, Frank and Jadav (ZMF) LLP or corporate tax law groups) provide rigorous forensic validation of existing claims, representation during active IRS audits, and handling of promoter fee disputes.dickinsonbradshaw.com+1
• Major Payroll Service Providers: If your original payroll was processed through large payroll aggregators (such as ADP, Gusto , or Paychex ), their internal or partner professional tax services teams often handle formal historical adjustments. However, many require you to work through their structured compliance channels to ensure they support the retroactive documentation.

What to Look for in an ERC Professional Provider

• Credentialing: Ensure the firm is led by active Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or licensed tax attorneys rather than commission-based brokers.
• Contingency Fee Caution: Avoid firms that charge a heavy upfront or back-end contingency fee without providing concrete, documented audit trails or legal indemnification positions.
• Scope of Service: Verify that they don't just "calculate" the credit, but comprehensively review the interaction between the ERC and your income tax returns (as wage expense deductions must be amended or declared matching IRS guidelines).irs.gov

If you'd like to narrow this down, please let me know:

• Are you looking for a local CPA firm or a national practice?
• Do you need help amending past returns , or are you currently facing an IRS audit/inquiry regarding an existing claim?

To prepare and file an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim while complying with IRS guidelines, you should work with a qualified tax professional who specializes in ERC claims, payroll tax credits, and IRS documentation requirements.

There are three types of professionals who can help:

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A CPA experienced in ERC claims can:

• Determine whether your business qualifies.
• Calculate eligible wages and qualified health plan expenses.
• Review PPP loan forgiveness to avoid double-counting wages.
• Prepare supporting calculations and documentation.
• Help respond to IRS audits or information requests.

2. Enrolled Agent (EA)

An IRS-licensed Enrolled Agent can:

• Review your eligibility.
• Prepare or amend employment tax returns.
• Organize supporting financial records.
• Represent you before the IRS.

3. Tax Attorney

A tax attorney can help if:

• Your ERC claim involves complicated eligibility questions.
• You have received an IRS audit notice.
• You are concerned about penalties, repayment, or an improperly filed claim.

What documentation should they prepare?

A qualified ERC professional should help assemble:

The IRS specifically identifies these records as important for substantiating ERC claims.www.irs.gov+1

Important IRS deadline warning

As of October 2026, there is an important distinction: the normal deadlines for filing new ERC refund claims have passed. Generally, the deadlines were April 15, 2024, for 2020 quarters and April 15, 2025, for 2021 quarters. Special statutory restrictions also apply to certain 2021 claims.www.irs.gov+1

If you've already filed and are dealing with an audit, disallowance, or documentation request, a qualified professional can still help you address it.

See the IRS Employee Retention Credit guidance.

Let me help you find the right professional

Are you looking for someone to:

1. Prepare an ERC claim and organize all supporting documentation.
2. Review an existing ERC claim to ensure it complies with IRS guidelines.
3. Help with an IRS audit or respond to an IRS letter.
4. Correct or defend a previously filed ERC claim.

And are you looking for a professional near Lowell, Indiana, or someone who can work with you remotely?

I can help identify qualified CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and tax attorneys who handle ERC compliance.