Industries

Entertainment

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

Businesses in the entertainment industry were some of the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and all the government-mandated restrictions that came with it. Social distancing requirements, capped ticket sales, and most obviously, partial or full shutdowns, made it difficult for theatres, performing art centers, and other entertainment businesses to survive. 

Fortunately, many of these entertainment businesses can still qualify for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). ERC is part of the 2020 CARES Act and can provide some financial relief of up to $26,000 per employee for paid wages.

If you are the owner of an entertainment business that was affected by COVID mandates and wonder about your ERC eligibility, consult with a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) at Strategic Tax Planning. You can call us for a free consultation at (202) 455-6010 or fill out our contact form, and we will reach out to you.

Is My Entertainment Business Eligible For The ERC?

Speaking with a trusted CPA will help to give you the best understanding of whether your entertainment business is eligible for ERC. Although every entertainment business is unique and went through different experiences, many faced mandated restrictions, or at least saw a decline in ticket sales. 

If your business has W-2 employees, it typically needs to fall into at least one of the following two categories in order to be eligible to receive ERC:

  • Your business(es) experienced decreased revenue during quarters 1-4 in 2020 and 1-3 in 2021, compared to 2019
  • Your business(es) suffered from government-mandated restrictions

Government mandates may include a variety of restrictions, such as partial or full shutdowns, social distancing requirements, capped ticket sales, or requirements of remote work, among many other things. 

Additionally, some of these entertainment venues or businesses may have received the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in 2020 or 2021 and wonder how that may affect their ERC eligibility. Regardless of whether your business received PPP 1 and/or 2, you may still be eligible for ERC. 

What Businesses Are Considered Entertainment?

Many business owners wonder whether their business is considered entertainment and eligible for the Employee Retention Credit. Assuming you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, nearly any kind of business may be eligible. Common examples of businesses in the entertainment industry include:

  • Theaters, including films or movies, plays, musicals, operas, or other performing arts
  • Musical arenas
  • Sports stadiums
  • Traveling exhibitions
  • And many more

How Long Will It Take To Receive The ERC After Claiming?

Business owners who have already filed for Employee Retention Credit are probably wondering when they can expect to receive the tax credit. With such a large number of businesses being affected by the pandemic, the IRS has a high volume of applications to process. Every case is different and will have a unique 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. 

Consult With a CPA Firm You Can Trust

For many businesses and venues in the entertainment industry, ERC can be a great financial relief, 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 false ERC claims can lead to compliance risks such as ERC audits in the future, setting up a potential disaster.

Strategic Tax Planning’s experienced tax professionals and CPAs will work closely with you and your entertainment business, ensuring all of your 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 are a business owner and wonder if it may be eligible for ERC, reach out to Strategic Tax Planning for a free consultation with a licensed CPA. 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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