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Capitalize on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Before It Expires in 2025

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a critical tool for employers seeking to reduce tax liabilities while contributing to the employment of underserved individuals from specified target groups. With the credit set to expire after December 31, 2025, unless Congress decides otherwise, businesses have a limited window to capitalize on its benefits. Below, we explore WOTC's details, including eligibility, target groups, hours, and the certification process vital for leveraging potential tax savings.

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Decoding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: WOTC is a federal tax initiative for employers hiring candidates from groups facing historical employment challenges, diversifying and strengthening the workforce. To qualify under current legislation, new hires must start before January 1, 2026.

Eligible Target Groups: The WOTC encompasses various target groups, including:

  1. Veterans: Prioritizing those unemployed for four weeks or disabled veterans.

  2. Long-term Unemployed: Individuals with 27+ consecutive weeks of unemployment.

  3. Ex-Felons: People facing employment hardships due to past convictions.

  4. SNAP Recipients: Those receiving food stamps within the previous six months.

  5. TANF Recipients: Persons receiving assistance in the last two years.

  6. Community Residents and Youth: Residents aged 18-39 in Empowerment Zones.

  7. Vocational Rehabilitation Referrals: Referred individuals from rehabilitation agencies.

A significant facet of WOTC is ensuring employment begins before the specified deadline, despite past extensions.

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Credit Amounts and Limits: WOTC enables employers to claim part of the wages paid to qualified employees. The credit amount varies by target group and working hours:

  • General Rule: Up to 40% of the first $6,000, maxing out at $2,400 per employee.

  • Veterans: Disabled veterans can yield credits up to $9,600.

  • Long-term Unemployed: Eligible for credits up to $5,000.

To gain eligibility, an employee must work a minimum of 120 hours. Full credit requires at least 400 hours, with 25% credit for 120-399 hours.

Certification Process: Achieving WOTC involves navigating certification with the State Workforce Agency (SWA). Employers must submit IRS Form 8850 plus Department of Labor’s ETA Forms 9061 or 9062 within 28 days of the employee’s start.

Expedited Certification for Veterans: Veterans enjoy a faster certification process, emphasizing support and swift employer benefits realization.

When the Credit is Unavailable: WOTC restrictions include:

  • Relatives and Dependents: No credit for hiring family members.

  • Majority Owners: Major stakeholders, including self-hire, aren’t eligible.

  • Federal Programs: Excludes wages from certain federal programs.

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Tax-Exempt Employer Implications: While 501(c) entities can claim the WOTC, it’s only for veteran hires and applies to employer Social Security taxes.

A Call to Action: With a deadline of December 31, 2025, urgent action is necessary if you haven’t used WOTC yet. Although Congress often extends the credit, its absence of action makes this deadline critical. Utilize WOTC to minimize tax costs and contribute to societal employment goals. Proactive documentation and certification completion are vital to benefitting from this expiring credit.

For additional insights and inquiries on how this credit can specifically apply to your business, reach out to our office.

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