25. EMPLOYEE RETENTION TAX CREDIT

The Trust participated in Economic Relief through a Credit allowed for Entities that suffered financial hardship during the Covid-19 Pandemic, under the CARES (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act (2020), and The Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021). Both provided fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, small businesses, and industries, by the U.S. Department of the Treasury along with Congress. This Credit was available for all Entities of a certain size, impacted by the Virus and who paid Employment Taxes, while working to remain solvent and viable. It is a fully refundable tax credit for Eligible Employers that paid employees to carry on a trade or business that was partially or fully suspended during any calendar year 2020; or that experienced significant decline in gross receipts during any calendar quarter in 2020, due to COVID-19.

As a result of both legislative acts, the Trust has been and/or is expected to be receiving a net of approximately $2.7 million in a combination of Employment Tax Refunds and Credits, for the two calendar years 2020, and 2021, respectively. As of January 31, 2026, IHT has received approximately $1.5 million, and is working to receive additional funds during the Fiscal Year ended January 31, 2027.