If you're a business owner still waiting on your Employee Retention Credit (ERC) refund, you're not alone. Thousands of companies across the U.S. are stuck in the same frustrating situation. You followed the rules, filed your amended returns, and expected timely relief, but the IRS backlog has turned what should have been financial help into a long, painful wait.

If you're a business owner still waiting on your Employee Retention Credit (ERC) refund, you're not alone. Thousands of companies across the U.S. are stuck in the same frustrating situation. You followed the rules, filed your amended returns, and expected timely relief, but the IRS backlog has turned what should have been financial help into a long, painful wait.

The ERC Refund Crisis: Why Is It Taking So Long?

The Employee Retention Credit was designed to help businesses keep employees on payroll during COVID-19 and the IRS has struggled to process millions of claims.

As of mid-2025, the IRS still has a backlog of more than 1 million unprocessed ERC claims. Many businesses have waited over a year. The agency placed a moratorium on new claims in September 2023 due to rising concerns about fraud and improper filings. Even now, the IRS is moving slowly and has increased audits and compliance reviews.

The result? A growing number of business owners are left in financial limbo, wondering when they'll see their money.

Why Speed Matters

Your business probably planned to use the ERC refund to cover payroll, pay down debt, invest in growth, or simply stay afloat. But a year-long delay in receiving those funds can seriously hurt your operations.Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business.

Without it, you're forced to make hard decisions like:

• ‍Delaying vendor payments
• Freezing hiring
• Postponing equipment purchases or upgrades
• Missing growth opportunities

If any of this sounds familiar, you're in the right place. There are ways to get your money sooner.

👉 Talk to One Eagle Advisory today and find out how our ERC buyout service can help you get paid fast.

The Fastest Way to Get Your ERC Refund: Sell Your ERC Credit

One of the best ERC refund delay solutions in 2025 is to sell your ERC credit through a process known as an ERC buyout. Here’s how it works:

You sell your pending ERC claim to a financing provider in exchange for immediate cash. It’s not a loan, so you don’t have to make monthly payments. The provider takes on the risk and waits for the IRS refund while you get paid now.

Think of it like selling an asset, because that’s exactly what your ERC claim is. This process is fast, safe, and often completed in just a few days.

Understanding the Options: ERC Buyout vs ERC Loan vs ERC Advance

Let’s break down the main ways to expedite your ERC refund:

1. ERC Buyout (Also known as Sell ERC Credit / Sell ERC Tax Credits)

This is the most popular and risk-free way to get fast cash. As explained above, you’re selling the right to your ERC refund for a discounted lump sum today. It’s not a loan. You walk away with cash and no strings attached.

2. ERC Loan / ERC Credit Loan

An ERC loan works a lot like a regular loan. You get money upfront based on the ERC refund you are waiting on. There is usually a grace period with no payments while you hope the IRS processes everything. If the IRS still has not paid after a set amount of time, usually around a year, the loan comes due in a balloon payment.

PROS:

• You keep full ownership of your ERC refund.
  
• Flexible repayment options with some lenders.
  

CONS:

• Repayment if refunds are not processed.
  
• Adds debt to your balance sheet.
  
• Higher risk if the IRS refund is delayed even longer.
  

3. ERC Advance / ERC Advance Funding / ERC Bridge Loan / ERC Cash Advance

These terms are often used interchangeably. They describe a fast-funding solution where a financing company provides money upfront, usually within days.

Some ERC advance options operate more like loans, while others are structured as buyouts. Always ask how the deal is structured. If you prefer not to take on debt, look for an ERC bridge financing option that works like a buyout.

📌 Ready to unlock your ERC funds without the wait? Explore One Eagle Advisory's ERC buyout options today.

Is Selling Your ERC the Right Move?

Only you can decide that. But here are some signs that an ERC buyout or advance could help:

• You’ve waited 6+ months with no sign of your refund.
• You need working capital for payroll, marketing, inventory, or expansion.
• You’re worried about taking on more debt.
  
• You want to reduce financial uncertainty.

If any of this resonates with you, it’s worth exploring your options.

What to Watch Out For

Unfortunately, the ERC space has attracted some bad actors. To protect yourself:

• Work with a reputable provider.
  
• Avoid firms that ask for large upfront fees.
• Ask if it’s a true ERC buyout or just an ERC loan.
  
• Read the fine print carefully.

Below is a quick breakdown to help you understand what’s best for your business:

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the IRS Delay Sink Your Business

The Employee Retention Credit was meant to help small and mid-sized businesses survive. But long delays have turned that help into a burden.

The good news? You don’t have to wait anymore. Whether you choose an ERC buyout, an ERC advance, or a carefully structured ERC bridge loan, you have real options to access your money now and put it to work where your business needs it most.

At One Eagle Advisory, we specialize in helping business owners like you get paid now, not next year. With our ERC buyout program, you can convert your pending refund into cash in just days, with no loans, no interest, and no hassle.

Don't let the IRS's timeline control your cash flow. Take back control and sell your ERC today.

Want to learn more about our ERC cash advance options? Talk to an expert about the fastest way to unlock your ERC refund in 2025.