Loading organizations...
Key people at Innovation Refunds.
Innovation Refunds assists American businesses in claiming Employee Retention Credit (ERC) refunds, specializing in navigating the complexities of the ERC program, which was introduced as part of broader economic relief efforts. The financial technology firm focuses on helping eligible companies recover significant cash flow by streamlining the often-intricate application process for these government incentives. Their service targets a wide array of American businesses across various sectors, aiming to simplify access to federal tax credits designed to support employers during challenging economic periods. The organization is co-founded and led by CEO Howard Makler, who oversees its operations in the financial technology space. Innovation Refunds aims to bridge the gap between businesses and the often-intricate requirements for securing these substantial tax refunds, ensuring compliance while maximizing potential recovery for clients. This specialized approach helps companies unlock capital that might otherwise remain unclaimed due to the program's detailed stipulations.
Innovation Refunds is a tax services company specializing in helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) claim tax credits and government incentives, particularly the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). It assists thousands of eligible U.S. businesses nationwide by handling eligibility analysis, application preparation, IRS correspondence, and refund tracking, with no upfront fees—instead charging 25% of approved refunds.[1][2][4] Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, the firm employs 501-1,000 people, generates $5M-$10M (or up to $105.7M per some estimates) in revenue, and boasts strong customer ratings (hundreds of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, Google, and BBB) alongside A+ BBB accreditation.[2][3][5] It has facilitated over $5 billion in refunds across industries, focusing on payroll/accounting integrations for efficiency and strict data security.[2][4]
Innovation Refunds was founded in 2020 (incorporated February 2021, locally started August 2021) to help American businesses access cash via tax refunds, initially providing R&D tax credit services to a select group.[1][2][5] The company expanded in 2021 with the ERC program's launch during COVID-19, scaling its network to serve thousands of SMBs amid economic challenges.[1][2] Led by CEO Howard Makler, it grew rapidly, earning six Best in Biz Awards in 2024 (e.g., Gold for Innovator of the Year) and building a team of CPAs, tax attorneys, and account specialists.[3][5] Early traction came from streamlined online eligibility checks and contingency-based fees, positioning it as a go-to for ERC claims despite IRS moratoriums.[2][4]
Innovation Refunds rides the wave of post-pandemic fiscal recovery tools like ERC, simplifying complex IRS processes for SMBs amid backlogs and moratoriums (program not canceled, with accelerating payments).[2] Timing aligns with SMB cash flow needs during inflation and labor shifts, as government incentives (e.g., R&D credits) fuel growth without debt.[1][4] It influences the ecosystem by democratizing tax relief—often overlooked by small owners—enabling reinvestment in operations, hiring, and innovation; its model reduces barriers via tech-enabled services, indirectly boosting economic resilience for non-tech SMBs.[1][2]
With IRS ERC processing ramping up (more checks issued despite delays), Innovation Refunds is poised to capitalize on backlog clearances, potentially expanding to other incentives like R&D or state programs as federal landscapes evolve.[1][2] Rising SMB digitization and AI-driven tax tools could enhance its integrations, while regulatory scrutiny on ERC may spur diversification. Its influence may grow by empowering more Main Street businesses, tying back to its core mission of putting cash back in pockets for sustainable growth.[1][2][4]
Key people at Innovation Refunds.
