If your business is picking up steam, you may be looking to expand your workforce to meet the demand. Here’s a practical idea: Hire employees who qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). The credit is available for workers who represent one of the “target” groups specified by law. There’s no limit on the number of workers for whom you can claim this tax break, which can cut tens of thousands from your company’s tax bill.
Years ago, the WOTC was included in a list of “tax extenders” that were approved by Congress at the end of each year or every couple of years. But more recent legislation extended the WOTC through 2025.
How Does It Work?
Briefly stated, the WOTC is based on the number of hours worked and wages earned in an employee’s first year of employment. If the employee works at least 120 hours, the credit is equal to 25% of first-year wages up to $6,000, for a maximum credit of $1,500 per employee.
If the employee works at least 400 hours, the credit jumps to 40% of first-year wages up o $6,000, for a maximum credit of $2,400 per employee. In addition, for a veteran with a service-connected disability, the credit is available for the first $24,000 of wages, for a maximum of $9,600 per employee.
The credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of tax liability.
Who Qualifies?
The current list of target groups includes:
What About Summer Help?
Be aware that there’s also a special “summertime” version of the credit. You can claim it if you hire youths age 16 or 17 who reside in an empowerment zone or enterprise community. This credit is equal to 40% of the first $3,000 of wages paid between May 1 and September 15, up to a maximum of $1,200 per qualified employee. So, if your company hires five qualified workers for the summer and pays them at least $3,000 each, it can pocket an extra $6,000 in credits.
Caveat: Benefiting from the WOTC isn’t automatic. Your company is required to obtain proof that a worker is a member of a target group before it can claim the credit by filing Form 8850, “Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity Credit.” This form must be submitted within 28 days after the eligible worker begins work (unless transitional rules apply).
Hit a Tax-Saving Target
Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. Your professional tax advisor can provide the assistance needed to claim the maximum credit for your company’s situation.
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