Industries

Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries

If your brewery was affected by a mandated full or partial suspension of operations then you most likely qualify for the ERC.

Breweries, distilleries, and wineries have all become popular destinations for beverage connoisseurs, but unfortunately, the brewing industry was one of the many industries negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Government mandates of capacity and distance restrictions, along with partial or full shutdowns, made it difficult to keep these businesses afloat in 2020 and 2021. Fortunately, you may be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), part of the 2020 CARES Act, which can provide up to $26,000 per employee for already paid wages. 

If you believe your business may be eligible for the ERC or would like to speak with an experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to learn more about your business’s eligibility, reach out to Strategic Tax Planning. Call us for a free eligibility analysis at (202) 455-6010 or submit your information in our contact form, and we will reach out to you. 

What Makes a Brewery, Distillery or Winery Eligible for the ERC?

Speaking with a team of tax professionals and CPAs will help you to understand if your brewery, winery, or distillery may be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit. If your business was affected by a mandated full or partial shutdown, then you most likely qualify for the ERC tax credit. Below you can find a more detailed list of shutdown examples.

Some business owners of breweries, distilleries, and wineries also wonder about their ERC eligibility if they have already received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans 1 and/or 2. Regardless of whether your business received PPP, you will have the opportunity to apply for ERC. 

If your brewery, distillery, or winery experienced any of the following disruptions, reach out to Strategic Tax Planning today to learn if you are eligible for the ERC:

  • Drop in gross receipts
  • Full and/or partial shutdowns
  • Capacity and distancing restrictions
  • Restricted access to the workplace
  • Inability to work maximally with your vendors
  • Reduction in services or goods offered to your customers
  • Altered hours resulting from increased sanitation procedures

What If My Brewery, Distillery, or Winery Increased Sales in 2020 and 2021?

While most businesses experienced a drop in sales due to COVID-19 restrictions and mandates, there is still potential that takeout orders or other means of business led to increased sales. Breweries, distilleries, and wineries with W-2 employees, who increased sales, may still be eligible for the ERC if the business suffered from any number of government-mandated restrictions. Speaking with a tax professional can help you to understand if your business may fall into this category.

How Long is the ERC Refund Processing Timeline?

Business owners who have claimed the Employee Retention Credit may be wondering when they can expect to receive the tax credit. With so many businesses being affected by the pandemic, the IRS has a high volume of applications to process. Every case is unique and will have a different timeline. Your refund could be processed in about 8 months, although it may take longer. 

If you wish to check the status of your refund, you may call the IRS, or use the “Where’s My Refund?” feature on the IRS website. 

Find a CPA Firm You Can Trust to Handle Your ERC Claim

Claiming the Employee Retention Credit can be a needed relief for many businesses, but it is important to make sure you and your tax planners are diligent and thorough when examining your eligibility. It is critical to note that the IRS will carefully examine your claim for this credit. Submitting a claim with falsified information can lead to compliance risk such as ERC audits in the future, setting up potential disaster.

Strategic Tax Planning’s experienced CPAs and tax professionals will work closely with you and your business, ensuring all ERC qualifications and facts are accurate and in order. We are here to help you receive your deserved relief for persevering during difficult financial times. 

If you own a brewery, distillery, or winery and wonder if you may be eligible for the ERC, reach out to Strategic Tax Planning for a free consultation. You can call us today at (202) 455-6010 or submit your information in this contact form, and we will call you.

More Information

Industries We Have Helped to Claim
the Employee Retention Credit

Art Galleries

If your art gallery or art business was affected by a mandated suspension of operations or other restrictions, then you may qualify for the ERC.
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Bowling Alleys, Arcades & Pool Halls

Arcades, bowling alleys, pool halls, or other "Fun Halls" impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are likely eligible to receive the ERC.
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Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries

If your brewery was affected by a mandated full or partial suspension of operations then you most likely qualify for the ERC.
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Cannabis Industry

If you operate a business in the Cannabis Industry, were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, and have W2 employees--you are likely eligible to receive ERC due to mandatory closures of businesses.
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Chambers

Chambers that paid their employees W-2 wages during the pandemic, and were impacted by the COVID pandemic in 2020 and/or 2021, are likely eligible to receive the ERC
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Childcare & Behavioral Centers

If you operate a childcare or behavioral center, were impacted by Covid restrictions, and have W2 employees--you are likely eligible to receive ERC.
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Construction Companies

If you own a Construction company, were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, and have W2 employees--you are likely eligible to receive ERC.
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Doctors & Medical Industry

Prosthodontists, chiropractors, plastic surgeons, and others are often eligible if a suspension of operations prevented you from performing elective procedures.
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Entertainment

Generally eligible based on shutdowns and other capacity restrictions for doing business. Frequently eligible because of decline in receipts.
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Gyms & Fitness

Was your gym, fitness center, or health-related business impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and do you have W2 employees? you are likely eligible to receive ERC.
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Law Firms

Potentially eligible if they experienced partial suspension in operations resulting from an order closing the courts and restricting operations.
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Leisure, Hospitality & Tourism

If you own a business in the leisure and hospitality industry, were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, and have W2 employees--you are likely eligible to receive ERC.
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Non Profit Organizations

Nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 restrictions that have W-2 employees are most likely eligible to receive the Employee Retention Credit (ERC).
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Portfolio Companies

If you own a portfolio company, were impacted by Covid restrictions, and have W2 employees--you may be eligible to receive ERC.
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Private & Parochial Schools

If you operate a business in the education industry, were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, and have W2 employees--you are likely eligible to receive ERC.
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Restaurants & Bars

If you operate a restaurant or bar, were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, and have W2 employees--you are likely eligible to receive ERC.
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Retail Stores

Retail shops impacted by COVID-19 restrictions that have W-2 employees may be eligible to receive the Employee Retention Credit (ERC).
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Spas, Salons & Beauty Schools

If you own a cosmetology business, were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, and have W2 employees--you are likely eligible to receive ERC.
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Startup Businesses

Any business that started after February 15, 2020, with less than $1 million in gross receipts, may be eligible as a Recovery Startup Business for the ERC.
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Vending Machine Industry

If you own or distribute vending machines, were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, and have W2 employees--you are likely eligible to receive ERC.
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