Business FinancesQuestion 307 of 690

Why does retention (retainage) create a cash-flow challenge for a contractor?

a.It increases the contractor's overhead rate
b.It must be paid to the IRS each quarter
c.It is added on top of the contract price as a penalty
d.The contractor pays all job costs but cannot collect the withheld amount until the project is accepted

Explanation

Retention is part of money the contractor has earned but cannot collect until project completion and acceptance. The contractor still must pay labor, materials, and subcontractors in the meantime, creating a cash gap.

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