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Maximize Your Tax Benefits with WOTC Before It's Too Late

As a trusted advisor at NR CPAs & Business Advisors, we help businesses leverage the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) before it potentially sunsets on December 31, 2025. This invaluable tool not only aids employers in tax savings but also fosters opportunities for individuals from specified target groups. Time is of the essence for businesses wishing to capitalize on these benefits in their employment strategies.

Decoding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: The WOTC is designed to motivate employers to hire individuals from groups that traditionally encounter employment challenges. By utilizing this credit, businesses help diversify their workforce while gaining financial advantages. To qualify under current statutes, employment must begin before January 1, 2026.

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Who Qualifies? The WOTC focuses on several target groups, including:

  • Veterans: Particularly those unemployed or disabled due to service experiences.

  • Long-term Unemployed: Individuals without work for 27 weeks or more.

  • Ex-Felons: Candidates overcoming employment barriers due to past convictions.

  • SNAP Recipients: Individuals receiving SNAP benefits within the last six months.

  • TANF Recipients: Those who have benefited from assistance in the past two years.

  • Designated Community Residents & Summer Youth: Residents aged 18-39 in Empowerment Zones.

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Referrals: Individuals with disabilities referred by rehabilitation agencies.

Ensure these individuals are on your payroll before the current deadline, amidst historical extensions that often come from Congress, which are yet uncertain.

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Understanding WOTC’s Financial Impacts: Employers can claim tax credits on a percentage of wages paid to qualified workers. Here's how the benefits apply:

  • General Rule: Up to 40% on the initial $6,000 of wages, capping the credit at $2,400 per employee.

  • Veterans: Credits can soar to $9,600 for eligible disabled veterans.

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

Eligibility requires a minimum of 120 work hours, scaling benefits up to 40% of first-year wages for 400+ hour employees. The rate reduces to 25% for those working between 120 and 399 hours.

Navigating WOTC Certification: Proper certification via your State Workforce Agency (SWA) is essential. Register new hires using IRS Form 8850 and ETA Form 9061 or 9062 within 28 days of their start date to secure these benefits. Fast-tracking for veterans ensures quicker access due to streamlined procedures, reflecting our support for those who served.

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Exemption Areas and Restrictions: The WOTC isn’t applicable with:

  • Family Hires: Relatives or dependents, including those of major stakeholders.

  • Employer Ownership: Employees hired by majority owners themselves aren’t eligible.

  • Federal Subsidized Programs: Wages under specific federal employment programs are non-qualifying.

Benefits for Tax-Exempt Entities: While tax-exempt organizations like 501(c)s can access the WOTC, it’s confined to hiring qualified veterans and offsets employer social security tax responsibilities only.

Call to Action: With the WOTC’s scheduled conclusion approaching, businesses must swiftly strategize to integrate this opportunity into their hiring practices. Despite previous extensions by Congress, no assurance exists they will continue, urging a proactive approach to finalize any pending certifications and documentations.

Our Coral Gables-based firm is here to guide and optimize your WOTC claims. Contact us for comprehensive assistance.

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