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If your Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC/ERC) claim was denied, delayed, or flagged for review, our attorneys help businesses fight back, challenge IRS decisions, and recover the refund they are legally entitled to.

ERTC Tax Attorney

Employee Retention Credit Delays & Denials

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Are You Struggling To Get Your Owed Employee Retention Credit?

Many businesses in Oklahoma and across the country faced reduced revenue, stalled operations, and workforce disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. To support employers who continued paying their employees through this period, Congress created the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), a refundable payroll tax credit. For qualified businesses, the ERC can provide significant financial relief.


However, the process for claiming the credit is complex and has become more so due to the recent government shutdown. Many businesses are experiencing delayed responses to their claims due to both backlog and issues related to government staffing. If you do not take action soon, you could lose the opportunity to pursue your refund at all.


Alternatively, if you requested the credit and then received an IRS Letter 105C stating that your refund claim has been denied, you are not alone in this situation. A substantial number of businesses are receiving denials. The letter can give the impression that the matter has been fully resolved against you, but that is not always the case. In many circumstances, you may still have a clear path to challenge the decision and seek the refund you initially claimed.

What IRS Letter 105C Means

  • The claim was rejected in full or in part
  • The documentation submitted did not support eligibility for the credit
  • The IRS determined the credit was not allowable under Internal Revenue Code § 3134
  • The claim was filed after the applicable deadline

IRS Letter 105C is a formal notice stating that the agency has determined your ERC refund claim should be disallowed. The letter should explain the reasoning behind the decision and outline your options for responding. It could indicate many things, including:

It is essential to understand that this letter also starts a two-year period in which you may file a lawsuit in federal court for a refund. If you do not take action within that timeframe, you may entirely lose the ability to contest the denial. This is also the reason why it is essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible if your claim has been delayed due to the government shutdown, so you do not risk losing out on the money you are owed.

Why Are ERC Claims Denied?

In many cases, these issues can be corrected or clarified through the presentation of additional evidence or a structured appeal.

There are several common reasons the IRS may deny ERC claims. These include different possible problems such as:

  • The documentation did not clearly show a qualifying decline in revenue or a qualifying partial suspension of operations
  • The business did not apply the government order or aggregation rules correctly
  • Errors were made when preparing Form 941-X to amend payroll tax filings
  • Wage records or ownership information did not match IRS data
  • Claims were flagged during processing backlogs and reviewed under heightened scrutiny

How Legal Representation Can Assist

An attorney can review your Letter 105C along with the IRS explanation and determine the best strategy for responding. Representation may involve gathering payroll records, government order documentation, and financial statements to support your position. If you have not been denied yet, a lawyer could help with communications efforts to move the process forward toward receiving an answer as the IRS returns to full operations.

If appropriate, we can file a written protest and request a hearing with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals. Throughout the process, we communicate directly with IRS personnel on your behalf. If the dispute is not resolved, we can file a refund suit in federal court. Having legal counsel can help ensure that your response is accurate, supported, and timely.

Why Choose Green Country Law Group?

Green Country Law Group knows how to take fast action to get you the money you deserve. We can represent employers in ERC disputes, audits, and refund actions. Your case will be handled by attorneys who focus on federal tax matters, not by a mass-processing service.


We provide clear guidance, maintain strict awareness of legal deadlines, and work to protect your right to obtain the credit your business is eligible to receive.

Meet Our Tax Law Team

Wayne Bailey

Wayne Bailey, Managing Attorney
Jared A. DeSilvey, Member Attorney

Jared A. DeSilvey

Deni S. Ketterman, Senior Associate Attorney

Deni S. Ketterman

Member Attorney

Senior Associate Attorney

Managing Attorney

Why is my ERC claim taking so long?

Many ERTC claims are delayed due to IRS backlogs, increased audits, and heightened scrutiny of past filings. Even legitimate claims are facing long processing times, often exceeding a year.

Can I sue the IRS if they haven’t processed my ERC claim?

Yes. If the IRS has not acted on your claim within six months, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to force a decision and move your case forward.

What happens when I file an ERC lawsuit?

Filing a lawsuit removes your case from the IRS’s control and places it before a neutral federal judge. This helps establish clear timelines, requires the IRS to respond, and often speeds up resolution.

Do I need an attorney for an ERC appeal or lawsuit?

Yes. ERC appeals and litigation involve complex tax law, documentation, and legal arguments. An experienced tax attorney increases your chances of a successful outcome.

My ERC claim was denied — can I appeal?

Absolutely. Many denials are caused by missing documentation, misinterpretation of shutdown rules, supply-chain issues, or errors by ERC promoters. An appeal can correct these issues and challenge the IRS’s decision.

What if my business used a PEO or ERC consultant?

We handle cases involving PEOs, payroll providers, and third-party ERC firms. Even if the original filer made mistakes, you may still have a valid claim.

What documents do I need for an ERC appeal or lawsuit?

Common documents include payroll records, shutdown orders, revenue comparisons, supply-chain evidence, and prior ERC filings. Our team helps reconstruct and strengthen documentation as needed.

How do I know if my ERC claim is still valid?

Even if the IRS questioned your eligibility, you may still qualify based on shutdown orders, operational restrictions, vendor disruptions, or other documented impacts.

Common Questions

A denial from the IRS does not have to be the outcome. You have the opportunity to challenge the decision and continue seeking the relief your business needs. Contact Green Country Law Group for a confidential review of your Letter 105C.


We will explain your options and outline the steps to move forward with pursuing action regarding Employee Retention Tax Credit delays and denials. Contact us for help and take action immediately before you lose out on the refund you are owed.

Talk to an Attorney About ERC Delays and Denials

Disclaimer: Submitting this form does not create an attorney–client relationship. Nothing on this website is providing legal advice, and we are not your attorneys unless and until a signed engagement agreement is in place.

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Your Case Deserves More Than an ERC Mill

ERC Mills / Consultants

  • No licensed tax attorneys
  • No IRS audit defense or legal representation
  • Automated, one-size-fits-all claims
  • High risk of miscalculations and incomplete documentation
  • Many have been closed or penalized by federal agencies
  • Direct access to an experienced tax attorney
  • Personalized, case-specific claim review
  • Legally compliant documentation that supports eligibility
  • Full audit defense and support during disputes
  • Strategic guidance for appeals, delays, and litigation

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