Act Fast: Maximize the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Before 2025 Deadline!

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) has been a strategic asset for companies aiming to reduce tax liability while fostering employment opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups. With the credit's potential expiration on December 31, 2025, proactive action is imperative for businesses to fully capitalize on its advantages. Let’s explore the critical elements of the WOTC, including eligibility criteria, target groups within its scope, necessary work hours, and the certification process essential for maximizing this tax credit.

Unpacking the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: The WOTC is a vital federal incentive designed to encourage the integration of individuals from marginalized groups into the workforce by offering businesses tax savings. This incentive is crucial for diversifying the workforce and strengthening community structures. Eligible employees must begin their roles before January 1, 2026, under the current legislation to be qualified.

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Focus on Target Groups: The WOTC prioritizes various categories, including but not limited to:

  1. Veterans: Especially those unemployed for at least four weeks or having service-related disabilities.

  2. Long-term Unemployed: Individuals who have been out of work for 27 consecutive weeks or more.

  3. Ex-Felons: Those struggling with employment due to past convictions.

  4. SNAP Recipients: Individuals receiving food assistance in the past six months.

  5. TANF Recipients: Those who have benefitted from assistance within the last two years.

  6. Designated Community Residents and Summer Youth Employees: Ages 18-39 in Empowerment Zones.

  7. Vocational Rehabilitation Referrals: People with disabilities referred by rehabilitation agencies.

Businesses must ensure employment commences by the stipulated deadline despite Congress's history of extensions.

Understanding Credit Amounts and Limits: The WOTC allows employer claims on a portion of qualifying wages. The credit’s magnitude depends on the targeted group and work hours:

  • General Rule: Claim up to 40% on the initial $6,000 paid during the first year, with a ceiling of $2,400 per employee.

  • Veterans: For disabled veterans, credits can soar to $9,600 under specific circumstances.

  • Long-term Unemployed: Significant credits up to $5,000 are available.

Employees must contribute at least 120 hours to qualify. Those reaching 400 hours enable employers to claim the full 40%. Under 400 hours, but over 120, leads to a reduced 25% credit.

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The Certification Process: Navigating eligibility requires engaging with the State Workforce Agency (SWA). Employers must submit IRS Form 8850 for pre-screening paired with ETA Form 9061 or 9062 within a 28-day window from the employee’s start date.

Accelerated Certification for Veterans: Particularly for veterans, there’s a streamlined process to facilitate quick determination, incentivizing hiring veterans by granting expeditious access to relevant benefits.

Non-qualifying Conditions: Restrictions prevent WOTC claims for hiring family members or individuals associated with business ownership, and wages under certain federal programs.

  • Family and Dependents: Credits do not apply to spouses, children, or other dependent hires.

  • Principal Owners: Business owners cannot claim credits from self-hires or major stakeholder employment.

  • Federal Programs: Some federally subsidized employment remuneration cannot be leveraged for WOTC.

A Note for Tax-Exempt Employers: While WOTC is available to tax-exempt entities like 501(c) organizations, it's limited to veteran hires and can only be used against employer Social Security taxes.

The Need for Action: With the imminent sunset on December 31, 2025, it’s critical for businesses yet to utilize WOTC to act immediately. Historical extensions by Congress do not guarantee future continuation, heightening deadline urgency.

Engage with this tax credit to not only benefit financially but also positively impact society by hiring those facing employment barriers. Swift action to align certifications and documentation now is pivotal in securing this diminishing tax advantage.

Connect with us for further insights on how this credit might specifically benefit your business.

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