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Take Advantage of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Before 2025

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) has served as a beneficial incentive for employers aiming to reduce their tax liability while facilitating employment opportunities for individuals from certain targeted groups. This significant federal tax credit is scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2025, unless an extension is approved by Congress. Given its impending discontinuation, this may be the last opportunity for businesses to fully benefit from its advantages. This article explores the nuances of the WOTC, covering qualifications, targeted groups, eligible working conditions, and the certification process essential for maximizing potential tax savings.

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Grasping the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: The WOTC is a dynamic federal tax credit designed to encourage businesses to hire individuals from groups that have historically encountered obstacles to employment. The credit is aimed at fostering a diversified and robust workforce. Under current guidelines, eligible individuals must begin their employment prior to January 1, 2026, to qualify.

Who Qualifies?: The WOTC specifically targets several groups, such as:

  1. Veterans: Especially those who are service-disabled or unemployed for at least four weeks.

  2. Long-term Unemployed: Individuals out of work for 27 weeks or longer.

  3. Ex-Felons: Individuals finding employment challenging due to prior convictions.

  4. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Recipients: Those who have received food stamps within the past half-year.

  5. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Recipients: Individuals who received aid in the past two years.

  6. Designated Community Residents and Summer Youth Employees: Individuals aged 18 to 39 living in Empowerment Zones.

  7. Vocational Rehabilitation Referrals: Persons with physical or mental disabilities referred through a rehabilitation agency.

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It's imperative to initiate employment for these groups before the deadline, despite previous Congressional actions to extend the credit.

Understanding Credit Limits: Employers can claim a tax credit for part of the wages paid to eligible employees. The specifics differ by target group and the work hours:

  • General Rule: Up to 40% of the initial $6,000 paid to an employee, amounting to a maximum credit of $2,400 each.

  • Veterans: For disabled veterans, this credit can escalate to $9,600, pending conditions.

  • Long-term Unemployed: The credits can be significant, with possibilities extending to $5,000.

An employee must work at least 120 hours to be eligible. Those surpassing 400 hours allow the employer to claim the full 40% of first-year wages, reducing to 25% if between 120 and 399 hours.

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Steps for Certification: Attaining the WOTC involves navigating the certification process with the State Workforce Agency (SWA). Employers must file IRS Form 8850, the Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity Credit, along with the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) Form 9061 or 9062 within 28 days from the employee’s start date.

Streamlined Certification for Veterans: The certification for veterans is usually expedited, reflecting the prioritization of their support, hence facilitating a quicker eligibility determination, thereby enabling employers to promptly benefit from veterans’ hiring incentives.

When WOTC Isn’t Applicable: There are certain exclusions regarding WOTC eligibility:

  • Relatives and Dependents: Employers can’t claim the credit for hiring spouses, children, or other dependents.

  • Majority Owners: Business owners hiring themselves or other principal stakeholders are ineligible.

  • Federal Subsidized Employment Programs: Wages from certain federal programs aren’t applicable for the WOTC.

Benefits for Tax-Exempt Employers: While 501(c) tax-exempt entities can utilize the WOTC, credit can only be claimed for veteran hires and applied against employer Social Security tax.

The Urgent Need to Act: With the WOTC potentially ending after December 31, 2025, businesses must urgently consider utilizing this credit. Although past Congressional extensions were common, the absence of current talks heightens the urgency of the approaching deadline.

Employers interested in decreasing their tax obligations while making meaningful hiring decisions should be well-versed in the WOTC. Utilizing this credit not only leads to financial benefits but also contributes to broader goals by employing those facing systemic barriers. Swift action is crucial, along with ensuring all certifications and documentation are properly handled to benefit from this critical tax credit before it potentially expires.

For any inquiries regarding how this tax credit could benefit your business, please feel free to contact us.

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