Intro To Erc Credit

Introduction to the Employee Retention Credit

It’s not easy to weather payroll and operating expenses, especially during an economic recession. For this reason, the Employee Retention Credit is a valuable tax credit available to employers who have seen a reduction in business due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ERC helps employers keep their workforce intact and ensures an adequate payroll for their employees.

The Employee Retention Credit was designed to help businesses retain their employees and minimize any negative impacts to workers, as well as sustain and grow their business. It offers employers a tax credit of up to $51,000 per employee for wages paid from March 13th, 2020 through December 31st, 2021. The amount of the credit is based on a percentage of qualified wages paid up to certain limits determined by the amount of eligible wages paid to each employee from the business.

In addition, employers can receive a refundable credit for 50% of qualified wages up to $10,000. This makes it easier for employers to keep their employees employed, even during a difficult period. To be eligible for the credit, employers must have experienced a decline in business due to the pandemic or be closed due to government orders. Eligible employers can use the credits to offset their payroll taxes, making the costs of employee wages more manageable.

The Employee Retention Credit is a great way for employers to protect their workforce and keep their businesses running. It offers relief during these hard times, and is an important factor to consider for employers in these unprecedented times. With the right guidance and understanding of the ERC, employers can take advantage of the tax credit to provide financial relief and support their workforce.

What is the Employee Retention Credit?

The Employee Retention Credit is a refundable tax credit for employers who continue to pay employees during the current economic downturn. Under the CARES Act, employers are eligible for the employee retention credit equal to 50% of up to $10,000 in qualified wages paid per employee from March 13, 2020 to December 31, 2020. This incentive is primarily aimed at businesses that were forced to close or experiencing a significant reduction in services and revenue due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The ERC is meant to help employers mitigate the financial impact of the virus and offset some of the costs associated with payroll like employment taxes. To be eligible, employers must have either closed their business or have had gross receipts fall below 50% of what was expected in either 2020 or 2019. It can be used in addition to other government benefits such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

In addition to general eligibility requirements, there are some specific rules that must be followed. For example, employers must pay employee wages during the period to qualify for the credit. The wages must also be subject to payroll taxes. The maximum credit an employer can receive per employee is $5,000.

The Employee Retention Credit is an important part of the federal government’s response to the economic disruptions caused by the coronavirus. It provides employers with a financial lifeline they may not otherwise receive. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, the ERC may benefit your business.

Who is eligible for the Employee Retention Credit?

The employee retention tax credit (ERTC) provides much-needed financial relief to small business owners who are struggling to keep their employees on their payroll as a result of the pandemic. The tax credit is designed to incentivize business owners to keep their employees, and is available to employers with operations that have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Under the CARES Act, businesses of all types and sizes are eligible for these tax benefits, including nonprofits, public entities, and tax-exempt organizations. Eligible employers include those whose operations were fully or partially suspended due to governmental orders or those who saw a significant decline in gross receipts as a result of the pandemic. The decline in gross receipts must equal at least a 50% reduction from the same quarter in the 2019 calendar year to be eligible for the ERC.

In addition to employers, the tax credit is available to certain service providers such as union benefit funds, group health care plans, Independent contractors, and self-employed individuals. To qualify, these service providers must show a significant decline in net earnings from self-employment or independent contracting activities due to a coronavirus–related loss of business.

Eligible employers and service providers may be able to receive a maximum credit of up to $5,000 per eligible employee. The credit is refundable, which means that employers and service providers may be eligible to receive a tax refund regardless of whether they had any earnings or tax liabilities before the pandemic.

At this time, most employers and service providers are eligible for the ERC. To ensure you are the most informed business owner possible, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional in order to maximize available benefits. The tax professionals at ERC Tax Credit are standing by to help you. Contact us today to learn more and take advantage of the employee retention tax credit.

How much can small businesses recoup through the Employee Retention Credit?

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a devastating effect on businesses all across the country and beyond. It is estimated that the pandemic could cause up to 75% of small businesses to close by 2021. Thankfully, the US government has responded with countless relief programs for businesses – one of which is the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Tax Credit. This tax credit offers small businesses the opportunity to recoup some of their losses through an employee retention incentive.

The ERC Tax Credit is a refundable credit that allows employers to receive up to $5,000 per employee in tax credits. This credit is available to businesses of all sizes that are experiencing a loss in revenue due to the pandemic, and it can be used to subsidize the costs of retaining workers.

Eligible businesses may claim the full amount of up to $5,000 of tax credits per employee. This means that small businesses can recoup the cost of hiring or retaining employees in order to help cover the decline in revenue. This is a critical lifeline for companies struggling to keep their doors open, and it can be a key factor in their ability to survive during this difficult time.

The ERC Tax Credit can make a real difference for businesses that are navigating the economic storm caused by the pandemic. It’s important to note, however, that the credit is available only to businesses that have experienced a decline in revenue of more than 20% due to the pandemic.

The ERC Tax Credit can be a huge help to small businesses, allowing them to recoup up to $5,000 per employee in tax credits. This can add up to substantial savings and can be an invaluable aid when it comes to retaining workers and keeping businesses afloat during this trying time. It’s a great option for companies looking for relief from the economic hardship brought on by the pandemic.

Applying for the Employee Retention Credit

Employees have been dealing with numerous changes since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. From health and safety protocols to decreased work hours, employees may need reimbursing for the sudden changes. This is where the Employee Retention Credit comes in.

The Employee Retention Credit is a tax credit issued by the IRS allowing businesses to reduce the amount of taxes they owe when employees are affected by the pandemic. It gives business owners an incentive to keep their employees in their jobs, even in the face of financial hardship. With different benefits and regulations each year, business owners can benefit from the Employee Retention Credit.

Business owners must take a few steps to be eligible to receive the Employee Retention Credit. First, employers must check if they are qualified by checking the official government guidelines. Next, they need to figure out how much credit they are eligible for. Depending on their core business activity, businesses may be eligible for different amounts. Finally, employers need to make sure qualifying wages are only paid to employees.

Applying for the Employee Retention Credit can help employers keep their employees on staff, even during economic hardships. The IRS website provides information about the eligibility requirements and steps businesses must take for the credit. By taking the time to understand and apply the tax credit wisely, businesses can reduce their tax liability in these difficult times.

Step 1: Calculate Pre-Tax Profit

The pre-tax profit of a business is its total income, minus the costs and expenses that go into creating that income. To calculate the pre-tax profit of a business, the accountant subtracts all of the operating costs and expenses from the revenue generated. The result is the pre-tax profit or the amount of money a company earns before taxes are deducted.

Pre-tax profits are important because they provide an indication of how profitable the business is before any deductions or expenses, such as taxes, property, or administrative costs are taken into account. A business’s pre-tax profit can also be used to gauge the efficacy of their operations and to inform strategic decision-making. It is the first step in determining the amount of taxes a business is liable to pay.

The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is available to eligible businesses to help offset the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. By calculating the pre-tax profit of a business, it is possible to determine how much a business is entitled to under the ERTC. The ERTC can provide businesses with significant financial relief during this challenging time while helping to ensure their long-term survival.

Being able to accurately calculate pre-tax profits provides businesses with the insight they need to make informed decisions and access financial relief. It pays to be proactive and seek professional assistance from an experienced, reputable consultant. At ERC Tax Credit, we can provide the expertise and guidance businesses need to accurately calculate their pre-tax profits and make the most of the ERTC.

Step 2: Determine Eligibility

The Employee Retention Credit (ERTC) is a government-backed program that assists businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program provides employers with financial assistance that can be used to keep their employees on payroll. To best utilize the opportunities under the ERTC program, employers must first determine their eligibility.

Businesses that have experienced a decrease in gross receipts of at least 20% in a tax quarter compared to the previous year are eligible to receive the tax credit. Eligibility is based off gross receipts but can also be based on full-time or part-time employees. By planning ahead and preparing for qualification, businesses can quickly receive the needed relief by the ERTC program.

Once businesses are deemed eligible, they must calculate the amount of their tax credit. Employers must carefully consider details like wages paid and FTEs to ensure the correct tax credit amount is received. Employers should also have accurate record keeping as the IRS is likely to require proof of claimed wages.

Whether qualifying with reduced gross receipts or reduced compliance hours, the Employee Retention Credit is available as a way to ease financial hardship. Businesses should review and understand their eligibility requirements to maximize the opportunities and use these funds for continued stability.

Step 3: Calculate the Credit

The Employee Retention Credit (ERTC) is a valuable financial incentive that allows eligible businesses to receive a credit for 50% of the wages paid to employees during this challenging time. When attempting to take advantage of this incentive, one of the most important steps to understand is Step 3: Calculate the Credit.

At it’s most basic level, the credit is calculated by taking the eligible wages paid to each individual employee during the tax period, multiplied by the eligible credit rate of 0.50 to reach the total credit allowed for that employee during that period. Employers are eligible for credit, up to certain limits, for all qualified wages paid to all eligible employees.

Businesses need to track and save documents that validate wages and other information pertaining to the calculation of the credit to ensure a straightforward experience when filing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Businesses should also be aware of the rules surrounding retained employees and understand that only certain employees are eligible to receive wages used to calculate the ERTC.

The value of the ERTC credit can be quite substantial; however, properly calculating the credit involves a complex set of calculations and rules. Therefore, businesses should seek the advice of a tax-specialized accountant to ensure that they are effectively leveraging the offered financial incentives.

Step 4: Claiming the Credit

Understanding how to claim the ERC Tax Credit can help businesses that qualified for the credit to gain financial relief during these challenging economic times. Companies are able to claim this credit annually and gain access to funds that could be used to improve operations, invest in new technologies, hire additional personnel, or simply make it through the pandemic.

The process for claiming the ERC Tax Credit is simple but important to fully understand. When a business meets the qualification criteria, they can start the claiming process by filling out an IRS form 941 quarterly. During this time, it is important to document the eligibility requirements in order to maximize the credit received. Tax professionals should also be able to help with the filing process.

Once the form is completed, businesses will submit it to the IRS along with any required supporting documentation. The IRS will then review the form and documentation for accuracy. Provided the business meets the scale and qualifications, the IRS will then approve the claim.

All approved businesses then receive credit against the employment taxes that they owe, reducing the amount of taxes they must pay or potentially even providing them with a refund. While the amount of the credit varies based on a company’s size and qualifications, this credit can make a huge impact for the financial health of many companies.

If you believe your business qualifies, then understanding the process to claim the ERC Tax Credit is key. Doing so can provide both short-term and long-term financial relief to help businesses survive and prosper during the pandemic and beyond.

Understanding the Requirements of the Employee Retention Credit

The year 2021 has brought with it a number of changes, especially for small businesses in the US. After the impact of the pandemic, the government has given generous tax credits to help employers maintain their staff and keep their business afloat. Understanding the requirements of the Employee Retention Credit (ERTC) is key to taking advantage of these tax credits.

Breaking down the requirements is essential for any employer looking to take full advantage of the tax credits. Eligibility requirements, features, and documentation are all vital concepts to consider when applying for the ERTC.

The first major requirement for the ERTC is that businesses must have either partially or completely suspended their operations due to orders from a governmental authority. This requirement is quite lenient and allows a majority of small business to apply. Additionally, the business must have experienced some type of decline in gross receipts from the same quarter in the previous year.

Benefits of the ERTC include tax credits ranging from fifty to 70 percent of wages paid, a special rule allowing credits for group health benefits, and a simplified rule for employers with fewer than 100 employees. Knowing the full range of benefits will help employers take advantage of the ERTC.

The last major component of understanding the requirements for the ERTC is documentation. Employers will need to produce evidence of both the ruling of the governmental authority and the decrease in quarterly gross receipts. This can be done in the form of a state or local government order or through an audited financial statement.

The bottom line is that understanding the requirements of the Employee Retention Credit is key for businesses looking to apply. Employers who take the time to understand the eligibility, features, and documentation requirements will be in a great position to receive generous tax credits.

Limitations of the Employee Retention Credit

The Employee Retention Credit (ERTC) can be a great way for businesses to recoup money lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is intended to offset the costs associated with keeping employees on the payroll whether they are working or not. While the benefit is great, there are some limitations to consider.

The ERTC is only available to certain businesses with a certain number of employees. Employers must have seen either a reduction in gross receipts of more than 50%, or a partial suspension of operations due to a governmental order. Businesses must have fewer than 500 full-time employees. If an employer has more than 500 employees, the credit is no longer available.

The ERC is only available for wages paid during the corresponding taxable years. The taxable year cannot work in the favor of employers; if a wage is paid before the taxable year, the credit will not apply. This applies to any wages paid from March 13th, 2020 until the end of the corresponding taxable year.

In addition, employees are unable to receive more than $10,000.00 in wages from an employer by the end of the year. Anything over this amount does not count towards the credit. If the wages are deemed non-essential payments to the employee, such as health, vision, or dental expenses then those are not qualified for the credit, either.

Overall, the ERTC is a great way for businesses to maintain their employees despite the economic downturn. However, businesses and employers need to make sure that they are mindful of the limits and qualifications of the credit to ensure that it is being used to its full potential.

Maximum Credit and Eligible Wages

The Employee Retention Credit (ERTC) is a powerful federal benefit that provides businesses with valuable tax credits targeted to help them keep their workforce employed. This benefit is offered to qualified businesses during the current COVID crisis as well as past recessions and natural disasters.

These credits are calculated based on both the Maximum Credit amount and Eligible Wages that the business has offered to its employees during the period of time specified by the program rules. Maximum credit represents the maximum benefit amount the employer can receive. Eligible wages are wages that are paid to each employee during the qualifying period to determine the amount of the credit.

Businesses can take advantage of this program to help with their costs associated with keeping their employees in the workforce. This allows them to cut costs on wages while still offering employees the same job security and benefits. Employers can also receive valuable deductions on their business tax returns with the assistance of this credit.

Understanding the details of the ERTC as well as the respective Maximum Credit and Eligible Wage definitions can be accomplished through consulting with an experienced tax credit specialist. These specialists can help employers to take full advantage of this program while ensuring compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. With the assistance of a tax specialist, employers can take advantage of the ERTC to protect their operational budgets during times of crisis and to continue offering secure employment to their valued workforce.

Best Practices for the Employee Retention Credit

Employee Retention Credits (ERC) are a great way to give businesses a financial incentive to keep their employees onboard during difficult times. The credit is available to employers of any size and offers up to $5,000 per employee, per quarter in tax credits. To qualify, businesses must have experienced some level of financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to make the most of the ERC credit, business owners need to understand the basics and best practices for claiming the tax credits. First, employers should ensure that the credit is applicable to their business by verifying their employee count and revenue losses. Then, employers should conduct research to find out if there are any restrictions on claiming the credit. Businesses may be able to reduce their tax liability by claiming credits for salaries, wages, health insurance and payroll taxes paid by employees.

Once employers have set up the program, they must keep track of their eligible expenses and document everything carefully. The documentation should include employee contact and payroll information, gross wages and health insurance, and payroll taxes for each quarter. It’s also important to remember that the ERC does not reimburse employers for the cost of wages or health insurance, so businesses may want to consider their options when it comes to structuring their wages and benefits.

Employers should also be sure to keep track of how much they are claiming in ERC credits every quarter, as there are limits to how much can be claimed each quarter. Additionally, the IRS has stated that the credit may not exceed wages paid by the employer during the period.

Finally, employers should be mindful of how they can use the credit to increase their profits while reducing their overall expenses. For some employers, it may be beneficial to use the credit to partially defray their costs, while for others, it may be more advantageous to use the credit to invest in additional educational or job training opportunities. By following these best practices, businesses can make sure they stay compliant with the IRS regulations and maximize their benefits from the ERC credit.

Documentation and Record Keeping

Organized record-keeping and documentation is key to effectively running any business or project. When you have a wealth of information, easily stored and quickly referenced, you can move with confidence towards your goals.

First, you must decide on an appropriate program or system that will work with your specific needs and expertise level. It should be user-friendly so you can find the resources you need when you need it. Look for a record-keeping solution that is both secure and can be customized to help you track employees, taxes, expenses, and any other information that is pertinent to your business.

Next, make sure that your records are organized and able to be printed or accessed electronically. This will help to ensure that key records are easily accessible when you need them. Furthermore, having a secure record storage system will enable you to share important documents with key staff on a secure server.

Finally, be sure to regularly review your documentation and records. Compare your records to those of your employees and ensure that they match up exactly. Additionally, make sure that any bills, invoices, and other important documents are consistently recorded and stored. Doing so will ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines or payments, and can save your business a lot of time and money in the long run.

At the ERC Tax Credit, we understand the importance of record keeping and documentation. We send out reminders and alerts when important deadlines are near so you can stay organized and maximize your ERC Tax Credit receipt. Contact us today and let us help make your jobs easier by helping to track, secure and store all of your employee and tax documents.

Qualifying Owners and Employees

To help businesses recover from the financial strain of the pandemic, a short-term federal tax credit has been introduced to help qualified employers reduce their 2020 employment taxes. Businesses can begin to claim the Employee Retention Credit (ERTC) in 2021 and beyond, provided they meet the qualifications.

The ERTC targets employers who have been hit hardest by the pandemic by providing them with a refundable credit against their share of Social Security taxes. In order to qualify, employers must have had business operations fully or partially suspended due to the enforcement of government order related to the COVID-19 pandemic, or experienced a significant decline in gross receipts in 2020.

Qualifying owners and employees can also benefit from the activity of the ERTC. Qualifying employees, depending on their wages, can receive up to $5,000 of tax credit. Business owners, on the other hand, can receive up to $50,000 of the ERTC to reduce their organization’s Social Security taxes.

In order to maximize their ERTC potential, owners and employees need to understand the importance of meeting the qualifications in order to take full advantage of the offered tax credit. For example, owners must meet the minimum gross receipts threshold of a 50 percent decline from the same quarter of the prior year. This is something they need to keep in mind when calculating their overall deductions.

Thanks to the ERTC, business owners and employees can save on their overall tax bill while still receiving credit where it’s due. With careful planning, employers can ensure they’re getting the maximum benefit from the offer. By understanding not only the terms and qualifications but the timelines of the ERTC, employers can make the most of this recovery program.

Claiming Credits for Multiple Businesses

Running multiple businesses is no easy feat. It takes strategy, savvy, and a well-developed plan to make sure that each company is profitable and stable. To give businesses an extra boost, one of the most valuable tools available is the Employee Retention Credit (ERTC). This is a federal tax credit offered by the IRS and allows employers to claim a credit based on the amount of wages paid to their eligible employees.

The ERTC credit is designed to help businesses that are struggling due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a great way to relieve some of the financial burden caused by the economic downturn, while at the same time keeping employees employed. Businesses that are eligible for the ERTC can claim a tax credit equal to 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid to employees. This credit can be applied to certain taxes and can help reduce the amount of tax due for the employer.

The eligibility requirements and claiming process will vary depending on the employer’s particular circumstances. Business owners should consult a tax professional to ensure they meet all the criteria and can benefit from the maximum amount of the credit. Additionally, those who own more than one business may need to use the same IRS Form 941 to claim the ERTC credit for multiple businesses.

At first, attempting to figure out how to claim ERTC credit for multiple businesses can seem overwhelming. However, consulting a professional and researching the available resources can make this process easier and allow business owners to take full advantage of this valuable tax credit. It’s important to stay informed of any updates to the ERTC regulations in order to remain compliant and maximize the benefits.

Other Resources for Small Businesses

Managing finances and reinvesting profits can be a challenge for small business owners. Other resources such as grants and tax credits are a great way to supplement income and grow business stability. The Employee Retention Credit (ERTC) is one such tax credit that is available to eligible employers who have been or will be impacted by COVID-19.

When navigating government programs such as the ERTC, understanding the rules and meeting the qualifications is critical. Employers should team with a knowledgeable and experienced ERTC consultant who can help ensure that all the requirements are met and take advantage of the incentive.

Government grants available to small businesses can also be a valuable resource to supplement income and support business growth. Grants are typically offered to local, state, and federal levels for organizations with particular focuses. These grants can range from innovative research & development to certain forms of employee training. To gain access to these kinds of grants, a business should be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the grant application process.

For small business owners, other important resources to obtain include reliable labor, affordable and quality supplies, and sound legal representation. By seeking out the right people and vendors, small business owners can benefit from better prices and quality of service as well as access to expert advice. Lastly, monitoring progress and staying up-to-date with new industry developments can be key to small business success.

Small business owners have their hands full. However, taking advantage of the various available resources such as the ERTC, grants, labor, supplies, and legal representation can become a key factor in the success of their business. With the right knowledgeable support and strategic financial management, small businesses can take steps towards business growth and stability.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

The US government passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 which has had a major impact on how businesses are taxed. Before this Act, businesses were subject to the highest marginal tax rate of 35%. With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the corporate tax rate was reduced to 21% which has made a huge difference on how small business owners can manage projects and take advantage of tax savings.

The Act also introduced the Employee Retention Credit (ERTC), which allows employers to claim up to $5,000 for each employee on their payroll. This credit applies to companies in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors and makes it easier for businesses to stay afloat while managing difficult economic times.

The benefits of the ERTC are twofold. On the one hand, employers can save on income taxes and, on the other, they can use the credit to help their employees by increasing their wages or offering additional benefits such as healthcare or flexible working hours. The ERTC can be used to fund health and safety measures required by the coronavirus such as hand sanitizers, facial masks and more.

Furthermore, the ERTC can help businesses with cash-flow issues by giving them an immediate tax credit. This helps businesses, particularly those who are struggling, to stay afloat. It also means businesses can continue to operate and hire new employees, thus bringing new revenue in and helping the economy as a whole.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is an advantageous law for businesses, especially small business owners. It reduces their taxation liability and helps them manage insolvency while offering them savings through the Employee Retention Credit. With these incentives, businesses can stay competitive for years to come.

Additional Government Resources

The U.S. government provides a wide range of assistance programs designed to help individuals and businesses. These programs offer tax credits, financing, and employment resources to ensure all Americans have access to opportunities for economic stability. As a leader in the tax credit industry, the ERC Tax Credit is one such program that can provide additional government resources for businesses.

The ERC Tax Credit can provide businesses with a payroll tax credit for 50% of certain employee’s wages over a certain time period. It can help businesses cover installation and training expenses, fund additional jobs, and pay salaries for employees. This can be especially helpful for companies using lean management strategies, which require a smaller staff with more responsibility.

The ERC Tax Credit can also reduce the cost of unemployment benefits, allowing businesses to manage their financial burden while keeping the same number of employees. Companies with 50 or fewer full-time staff may also qualify for the maximum credit. In some instances, the minimum salary rate can also be reduced.

The ERC Tax Credit is a valuable support system for businesses and employers, providing additional government resources to help them weather the current financial climate. Not only does the tax credit support businesses and their current operations, it also enables them to expand and further invest in their workforce. To find out more about this program and to see if your business is eligible, contact the ERC Tax Credit consultants today.

Professional Tax Consultants

No business owner likes assessing taxes. It can be a cumbersome process with lots of moving parts and outside facors. Professional tax consultants can help guide you through the payment process, maximizing deductions, understanding regulations, and keeping your accounting in order.

Tax consultants bring a new level of expertise and knowledge to the table, going beyond what the average business owner can muster. Rather than relying on trial and error, or limited advice from friends and family, certified professionals can help you safely navigate all those complexities and pitfalls.

Imagine having a team of experts on hand to help you every time something tax-related hits your desk. From filing your annual return to preparing special reports or evaluating the viability of new financial strategies, genuine professional guidance can be a valuable asset.

Tax consultants are also in the position to anticipate potential changes in legislation and prepare for them ahead of time. This can be especially lifesaving if there’s an unfavorable change to the law and your business is not able to quickly adapt.

Additionally, tax consultants have the advantage of having access to the latest tax software. This can ensure that calculations are precise and accurate, thus avoiding costly errors.

Bottom line, professional tax consultants can save you time and money, freeing you up to tend to the more pressing matters of your business.

Published
Categorized as ERC

1 comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *