ERTC / R&D Tax-Credit Advance Calculator
Pending tax credit with the IRS but need cash now? Calculate what you'd net via an advance vs waiting — including effective APR and a use-of-funds breakeven. Decide in 60 seconds whether the advance is worth it.
Credit details
Cash positions
Use-of-funds breakeven
When a tax-credit advance makes sense
The math wins when:
- You have a non-discretionary use of funds — payroll, rent, vendor payments. The "cost" of the advance is the cost of avoiding a worse outcome (late payroll, eviction, vendor cut-off).
- You can deploy the cash at a projected return higher than the effective APR. If you're earning 18-25% on capital and the advance APR is 15%, the spread is real money.
- The IRS processing window is long (120+ days) and you need certainty on timing.
The math loses when:
- The advance fee is >15% and your use of funds is opportunistic. Just wait — the IRS will pay.
- The credit hasn't been formally filed yet. Funders advance against filed credits, not estimates.
- You're behind on IRS payments. Many funders will require you pay those down first, which kills cash at close.
A note on ERTC specifically: the ERTC program has had multiple audit waves. Funders have tightened underwriting and lengthened approval cycles. If your ERTC was filed through an aggressive promoter, expect funder skepticism — they'll want to see the underlying eligibility analysis, not just the filed amount.
Which path fits you?
This tool helps three audiences. Pick the one that's you.
I'm a small business owner
We work with tax-credit-advance specialists. Get your ERTC funded in 30 days.
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I refer deals to Lending by JLFG
Add tax-credit advances to your product mix. High AOV, healthy commission.
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I'm an institutional funder
ERTC and R&D tax-credit advance specialty? Route specialty deal flow your way.
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