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Seize the Moment: Maximize Your Benefits from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Before It Ends!

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) presents a significant opportunity for employers aiming to achieve tax savings while contributing to workforce inclusivity. With the credit scheduled to sunset after December 31, 2025, businesses must act swiftly to take full advantage of its benefits. This detailed guide explores the essentials of the WOTC, including qualifying criteria, targeted groups, working hours, and the certification process that employers need to navigate effectively.

Grasping the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: The WOTC is a federal initiative designed to incentivize the hiring of individuals from certain groups who have historically faced barriers to employment. Employers can bolster workforce diversity while benefiting from reduced tax liabilities. Qualified employees must start their jobs by January 1, 2026, under current rules.

Who Qualifies for WOTC?: Several distinct groups are targeted by the WOTC, including:

  1. Veterans: Focus on those unemployed for over four weeks or disabled due to service.

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  3. Long-term Unemployed: Individuals out of work for more than 27 weeks.

  4. Ex-Felons: Individuals with conviction history facing employment challenges.

  5. SNAP Recipients: Individuals who received food stamps in the last six months.

  6. TANF Recipients: People who received aid in the past two years.

  7. Empowerment Zone Residents and Youth: Residents aged 18-39 from designated areas.

  8. Vocational Rehab Referrals: Individuals with disabilities referred through a rehab agency.

It's crucial for these hires to start working before the established deadline, despite past Congressional tendencies to extend the program.

Calculating the Credit: Employers can claim a portion of wages paid to qualified workers. Credit amounts vary depending on the target group and hours worked:

  • Standard Credit: Up to 40% of the first $6,000 of wages, capping the credit at $2,400 per employee.

  • Enhanced Credit for Veterans: Up to $9,600 for eligible disabled veterans.

  • Long-term Unemployed: Credits can go up to $5,000.

Employees must work at least 120 hours to qualify. The full 40% credit applies to those working 400 or more hours; between 120 and 399 hours, the rate adjusts to 25%.

Navigating Certification: Employers must manage the SWA certification process diligently. Submission of IRS Form 8850 alongside ETA's Form 9061 or 9062 within 28 days of employment commencement is mandatory.

Simplifying Veteran Approvals: Veterans benefit from expedited certification processes, allowing quicker employer access to WOTC benefits related to veteran hires.

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Exclusions to Note: WOTC cannot be claimed in these scenarios:

  • Close Relatives: Credit not applicable for hiring relatives.

  • Owner Hiring: Major shareholders are ineligible.

  • Federal Subsidized Programs: Wages from certain federal programs don't qualify.

Special Considerations for Tax-Exempt Entities: 501(c) organizations can claim the WOTC, but only for hiring veterans, with credits applied to Social Security tax obligations.

Time to Act: With the approaching expiration date of December 31, 2025, it's imperative for businesses to utilize the WOTC effectively. While extensions have been common, the absence of current legislative moves makes early action critical. Utilizing the WOTC can effectively reduce tax burdens while advancing the employment landscape for those facing higher barriers. Timely application and meticulous documentation will be crucial to leveraging this soon-to-vanish credit.

For further inquiries on how the WOTC can benefit your business, feel free to contact our office. Timing is of essence, and precise adherence to guidelines is key to capitalizing on this advantageous tax credit!

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