Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Eligibility for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) ends on December 31, 2013. Among other requirements, an employer must hire members of certain targeted groups and have those individuals start work before January 1, 2014.
Targeted groups. Targeted groups include qualified individuals in families receiving certain government benefits, individuals who receive supplemental Social Security Income or long-term family assistance, and veterans.
Amount. The credit is generally equal to 40 percent of the qualified worker’s first-year wages up to $6,000 ($3,000 for summer youths and $12,000, $14,000, or $24,000 for certain qualified veterans). For long-term family aid recipients, the credit is equal to 40 percent of the first $10,000 in qualified first year wages and 50 percent of the first $10,000 of qualified second-year wages.
Advanced certification required. On or before the day the employee begins work, the employer must receive a written certificate from the designated local agency (DLA) indicating that the employee is a member of a specific targeted group. Employers can use Form 8850, Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity Credit, to obtain the certification.