Maximize Your Tax Benefits: Seize the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Before 2025

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) offers employers a strategic advantage by reducing tax liabilities while fostering workforce diversity through hiring individuals from targeted groups. With the current legislation expiring on December 31, 2025, businesses need to act promptly to leverage this credit unless an extension is enacted by Congress. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the intricacies of the WOTC, including target group eligibility, the application process, and potential financial advantages.

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Decoding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: The WOTC is a federal tax incentive aimed at encouraging employers to hire individuals from groups consistently facing barriers to employment. Eligible employees must begin work by January 1, 2026, under current regulations to qualify.

Identifying the Eligible Groups: Employers can receive tax credits for hiring:

  • Veterans: Especially those unemployed for a minimum of four weeks or with a service-connected disability.

  • Long-term Unemployed: Individuals jobless for 27 consecutive weeks or more.

  • Ex-Felons: Individuals struggling to find employment due to past convictions.

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Recipients: Those who have received benefits in the last six months.

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Recipients: Individuals who have received aid within the past two years.

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

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Referrals: Those with disabilities referred by a rehabilitation service.

The credit hinges on ensuring these individuals start employment before the expiring deadline, despite prior legislative extensions.

Calculating the Credit: Employers can claim a percentage of wages paid to eligible employees, affecting the credit's value:

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  • General Rule: Up to 40% of the first $6,000 in wages, maxing out at a $2,400 credit per worker.

  • Veterans: Disabled veterans can trigger an enhanced credit of up to $9,600.

  • Long-term Unemployed: Enhanced credits for extended unemployment can reach up to $5,000.

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Employees must work at least 120 hours to qualify. If they work 400+ hours, employers may claim the full 40% of wages paid in the first year; 120-399 hours lowers the credit rate to 25%.

Navigating Certification:
To capitalize on the WOTC, certification through the State Workforce Agency (SWA) is essential. Employers must file IRS Form 8850, alongside ETA Form 9061 or 9062, within 28 days of a new hire's start date.

Streamlined Process for Veterans: Veteran applicants have an expedited pathway to certification, reflecting a national priority on veteran employment.

Limitations on the Credit: WOTC claims are invalid for hiring relatives, dependents, majority owners, or under certain federal programs.

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Unique Considerations for Nonprofits: Tax-exempt entities such as 501(c) organizations benefit differently, claiming credits solely for qualifying veterans, applicable against employer Social Security taxes.

The Time to Act is Now: With its scheduled expiration looming, businesses should swiftly capitalize on the WOTC while current legislation is operative. Historically, Congress has favored extensions, but no guarantees exist for future renewals. Thus, immediate action is essential to secure these valuable tax savings.

To explore how the WOTC could benefit your business further, contact our office for personalized advice and assistance.

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