Work Opportunity Tax Credit

What is WOTC?

WOTC is a Federal tax credit available to employers who hire and retain veterans and individuals from other target groups with significant barriers to employment. Employers claim about $1 billion in tax credits each year under the WOTC program. There is no limit on the number of individuals an employer can hire to qualify to claim the tax credit, and there are a few simple steps to follow to apply for WOTC.

· WOTC Program Brochure

· Video: An Introduction to WOTC

· WOTC Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide for Employers

· Employer's Guide to the WOTC

How does WOTC Work?

The tax credit employers can claim depends upon the target group of the individual hired, the wages paid to that individual in the first year of employment, and the number of hours that individual worked. There is also a maximum tax credit that can be earned.

For the long-term Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) target group only, the credit is available to employers who hire members of this group for up to a two-year period.

· In the first year, the employer may claim a tax credit equal to 40% of the first-year wages, up to the maximum tax credit, if the individual works at least 400 hours.

· In the second year, the employer may claim a tax credit equal to 50% of the second-year wages, up to the maximum tax credit, if the individual works at least 400 hours.

For all other target groups, the credit is available to employers who hire members of these groups, based on the individual's hours worked and wages earned in the first year.

· If the individual works at least 120 hours, the employer may claim a tax credit equal to 25% of the individual's first year wages, up to the maximum tax credit.

· If the individual works at least 400 hours, the employer may claim a tax credit equal to 40% of the individual's first year wages, up to the maximum tax credit.

Who can I Hire?

· Veterans

· TANF Recipients

· SNAP (Food Stamp) Recipients

· Designated Community Residents (living in Empowerment Zones or Rural Renewal Counties)

· Vocational Rehabilitation Referral

· Ex-felons

· Supplemental Security Income Recipients

· Summer Youth Employee (living in Empowerment Zones)

Click here for more information about the WOTC target groups.

Andrew Jordan, CPA, CGMA