If you run a business in California — especially in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or Sacramento — and you already filed a valid ERC claim, you likely have a strong case due to the significant operational impact and restrictions California businesses faced during COVID-19.
This chapter explains why many California claims are especially compelling and how those factors tie into resolving delays through ERC FastTrack.
How Government Orders Strengthen Your Claim
To qualify for ERC, your business must have either experienced a significant decline in gross receipts or been fully or partially suspended due to a government order.
California issued some of the strictest, longest-lasting shutdowns in the country:
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County-level mandates that shuttered or limited operations for months
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Statewide restrictions on gathering sizes and in-person services
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Delayed reopening of schools, childcare centers, and public venues
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OSHA-enforced distancing and masking requirements
In California, the volume and duration of qualifying orders mean that many businesses have especially compelling documentation for eligibility. This matters if your claim is delayed — because a strong government-order narrative is key to getting it resolved through litigation.
Why California-Based Documentation Is a Strength
One advantage that many California businesses don’t realize they have is the abundance of clear, accessible government orders issued during the pandemic. From the state level down to county and city departments, the documentation of restrictions in California is extensive — and that’s a big plus when your claim ends up under legal review.
When we prepare ERC FastTrack cases, we often include:
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LA County Department of Public Health orders with closure mandates
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California Executive Orders outlining sector-specific restrictions
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Cal/OSHA enforcement memos related to distancing and staffing
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City or municipal directives with time-stamped limitations
This type of evidence gives your case a solid legal foundation — which can make it easier for the DOJ to validate and resolve quickly.
Even if your original claim lacked this documentation, we can help you gather and strengthen it before filing.
Why ERC Refunds Are Delayed — Especially for Larger Claims
Across the country — not just in California — we’re seeing delayed ERC refunds for claims over $250K and especially those over $500K. The IRS has implemented a tiered review process, flagging claims based on size and documentation quality.
This means that even valid claims with strong eligibility may sit in limbo for months (or years) — unless proactive legal action is taken. If your documentation is sound but the IRS hasn’t responded, FastTrack may be the pressure that moves it forward.
What If You’re in Los Angeles?
We’ve worked with many employers in Los Angeles whose claims are still pending. Often, they’re excellent candidates for litigation because:
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Their credit size exceeds $500K
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They were heavily impacted by city or county-level shutdowns
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They’ve heard nothing from the IRS in over 12 months
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Their documentation is strong, but their claim has stalled
If this sounds like your business, ERC FastTrack can help move your claim out of the IRS backlog and onto a legal path with real deadlines.
Next Steps for California Business Owners
If you’re still waiting on your ERC refund, here’s what to do:
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Review our ERC Claim Evaluation Guide to see if you’re a candidate for litigation
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Request a free claim review — even if your return has already been filed
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Learn how FastTrack can protect your refund and accelerate resolution
We’re based in San Diego but represent clients across the country. If your refund is stuck, stalled, or uncertain, ERC FastTrack may be the most strategic solution available.
Get the full FastTrack Guide in your email — and learn how to cut through the IRS backlog, protect your credit, and get resolution faster.
How to Take the Next Step Toward Your ERC Refund
If you’re still waiting on your ERC refund, you’re not alone — but you’re also not powerless. The delays are real, but there is a legal path forward. ERC FastTrack was built to give business owners like you control, leverage, and resolution.
You’ve done your part. You filed the claim. You followed the rules. Now it’s time for results.
If your credit is still stuck in limbo, let’s talk. Our team can review your claim, walk you through your options, and help you decide if FastTrack is the right next move.
Because at this point, waiting longer won’t get you paid. But doing something might.