Industries

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.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started causing businesses to temporarily shut down or adhere to strict restrictions, nearly every industry was affected. One of the most affected industries included cosmetology businesses, such as spas, salons, barbershops, and beauty schools. With many of these businesses requiring close contact, a large portion of these businesses found it difficult to continue operating comfortably with these restrictions.

Thankfully for owners of spas, salons, barbershops, beauty or cosmetology schools, or similar businesses, you may still be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). ERC is part of the 2020 CARES Act and can provide up to $26,000 per employee for wages already paid to W2 workers. 

If you own one of these businesses and wonder about its ERC eligibility, speak with a trusted Certified Public Accountant (CPA) at Strategic Tax Planning. You can call us for a free consultation at (202) 455-6010 or fill out this contact form, and we will reach out to you.

What Makes My Business Eligible For ERC?

If your business has W-2 employees, then it typically must fall into one of the two following categories in order to be eligible for 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 any number of government-mandated restrictions

Government mandates may include a wide range of possibilities. Some examples might include things like partial or full shutdowns, increased sanitation procedures, spacing limitations, storefront closures while continuing online sales or business, or reduced occupancy, among many others. 

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

Consult with an experienced CPA about your business and its experiences to get a better understanding of your eligibility. 

What Kinds of Cosmetology Businesses May Be Eligible for The ERC?

With cosmetology being such a large industry, business owners may wonder if their business qualifies for the Employee Retention Credit. If your cosmetology business was affected by a government-issued COVID mandate or falls into the decreased revenue terms listed above, then you may qualify. Some examples of cosmetology businesses may include:

  • Nail salons
  • Hair salons and barbershops
  • Spas and massage businesses
  • Esthetics businesses
  • Beauty and cosmetology schools 

Talking with a tax professional or CPA can help you to understand better if your business may qualify.

How Long is the Employee Retention Credit Refund Processing Timeline?

Business owners who have filed for ERC 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 may be processed in about 8 months, although it could take longer. 

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

Find a CPA Firm You Can Trust

For many spas, salons, and cosmetology or beauty schools, 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 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 the owner of a spa, salon, barbershop, or beauty school 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 our 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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