Sunflower Bank, N.A. Announces Employee Retention Credit Filing Partnership with SmartBiz® and Ready Capital®

We’re pleased to announce a partnership with SmartBiz® and Ready Capital® to help eligible businesses apply for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) tax refund of up to $26,000 per employee. The ERC is a payroll tax refund for 2020 and certain periods of 2021 available to eligible businesses that experienced operating restrictions or a decline in total receipts in 2020 and/or 2021 but retained employees.¹ 

Businesses can find out if they are eligible to apply for an ERC tax credit by visiting an online portal created for Sunflower Bank, N.A. and answering a few basic questions related to W2 employee status and revenues in 2020/2021. SmartBiz, the leading AI-powered small business financing platform has combined its expertise with Ready Capital, trusted, competitively priced, ERC-focused tax consultants² to guide businesses through the process to apply for and claim the ERC they deserve.

"We are excited to expand our partnership with SmartBiz by offering a solution to our customers as they look to capitalize on the Employee Retention Credit that is now available. Our customers and small businesses across the country endured the impact of COVID 19 and the pandemic. Now they can easily find out if they are eligible for a well-deserved credit and infusion of capital that will help their businesses to continue to grow,” said Matt Fitch, Managing Director of Business Banking & SBA at Sunflower Bank, N.A.

Eligible businesses include those which have:

• Been in business for 2 or more years
• A minimum of two (2) employees

And meet any of the below criteria:

• Been impacted, directly or indirectly, by a full or partial suspension of operations due to orders from a governmental authority during 2020 or the first three quarters of 2021
• Experienced a significant decline in gross receipts during the same time period
• Qualified as a recovery startup business for the third or fourth quarters of 2021

ERC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to be a customer of Sunflower Bank or First National 1870 to use this service?

No, you do not need to be a current business customer to use the service.

How much money can my business get?

Businesses may earn as much as $26,000 per employee.

What if I suspect my business doesn’t qualify?

It's best to double check if you qualify through our ERC application. Our partners specialize in ERC and the rules have changed several times since the beginning of the program.

What if I’m already working on applying for the ERC with someone else?

Having the right partner is important! Are you experiencing delays with your current provider? Consider applying through our portal and speaking with a consultant to see if they can help! We have a full team of specialists that can help you get the largest refund amount and get the deal back on track.

What are the associated fees for applying?

Businesses may choose their apply fee structure once they qualify. There are multiple payment options and the pricing depends on how you choose to structure your business’ payments (fees can be deferred or prepaid)².

My business got a PPP Loan, do I qualify?

The IRS changed the rules regarding how ERC and PPP programs interact in 2021. Businesses may now qualify for BOTH.

The process sounds too complex, is it worth my time?

Our ERC partner takes on the leg work after a brief conversation with you, and after you provide a few necessary documents. Our partner helps prepare the documents fully and submits them to the IRS on your behalf.

I’ve submitted my application, what happens next?

You will receive an email right after you submit your information on the portal with instructions on further steps and how to set up your ERC portal login. Also expect a phone call from a representative within two business days. Be prepared to provide your financial documentation and agree to a contract with our ERC partner that includes terms and payment structure.

¹ The ERC is a payroll tax refund for 2020 and certain periods of 2021 born out of the same government program as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Your business may be able to claim an ERC even if you received PPP funding. Please consult with your accountant or payroll specialist if you have questions or need more information. Further details are available on irs.gov.

² Tax consulting services provided by a third party ("Provider"), subject to Provider's terms and conditions. Fees apply. See Provider's terms and conditions for details.