Maximize Benefits from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Before It Ends in 2025!

As employers gear up for the last few years of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), the countdown to its potential expiration at the end of 2025 has begun. This federal incentive has long been pivotal for businesses looking to enhance their workforce while significantly reducing tax liabilities. With a historical trend of Congressional extensions, no current motion guarantees this will happen once more, making immediate action essential for businesses.

Unpacking the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: Designed to bolster employment for groups facing substantial employment barriers, the WOTC offers significant tax savings. Businesses that employ individuals from these target demographics can realize substantial tax reductions. All qualifying employment must commence before January 1, 2026, unless otherwise extended by new legislation.

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Key Target Groups: The WOTC applies to various groups, some of which include:

  1. Veterans: Particularly those who have been unemployed for four weeks or more, or qualify as service-connected disabled veterans.

  2. Long-term Unemployed: Individuals with unemployment spells lasting 27 weeks or longer.

  3. Ex-Felons: Individuals who confront employment hurdles due to prior convictions.

  4. SNAP Recipients: Those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits within the last six months.

  5. TANF Recipients: Families receiving aid within two years.

  6. Designated Community Residents and Summer Youth: Individuals aged 18 to 39 from Empowerment Zones.

  7. Vocational Rehabilitation Referrals: Persons with disabilities who are referred through rehabilitation agencies.

Ensuring these employees begin work by the set deadline remains crucial for capitalizing on the WOTC benefits.

Tax Credit Specifics: The credit includes a claimable tax credit from a portion of wages paid to eligible employees, differentiated by target group and hours worked:

  • General Incentive: Up to 40% on the initial $6,000, capping at $2,400 per qualifying employee.

  • Veterans: For those with disabilities, credits can achieve a maximum of $9,600 under qualifying conditions.

  • Long-term Unemployed: Credit provisions could allow credits approaching $5,000.

Eligibility requires a minimum of 120 hours work. Full credits require 400 hours, reduced credits (25%) are available for 120 to 399 hours.

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The Certification Process: Employers must file IRS Form 8850 and DOL’s Form 9061 or 9062 within a mere 28-day window post-employment of eligible individuals through their State Workforce Agency (SWA).

Veteran Certification Simplified: Expedited processes exist for veterans ensuring they experience less friction to encourage employment within this group.

Restrictions on Credit: Specific limitations exclude:

  • Family Members: Credits do not span hiring of children, spouses, or dependents.

  • Majority Business Owners: Self-employment or relationships with major shareholders do not qualify under WOTC.

  • Federal Program Workers: Those in certain federal subsidized employment do not count towards WOTC eligibility.

Tax-Exempt Employer Considerations: While 501(c) organizations can utilize WOTC, application is limited to qualified veteran hiring, applying solely against employer Social Security tax.

Seize the Opportunity: With the December 31, 2025, deadline looming, and uncertain Congressional intervention, businesses must promptly assess and utilize the WOTC for impactful tax planning. Especially for small business owners, like those served by Tax Time 365, seizing these fiscal advantages before it potentially sunsets could yield substantial benefits.

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Reach out to us at Tax Time 365 for guidance on how to effectively integrate WOTC into your tax strategy, ensuring you not only save money but also support societal inclusion through diverse hiring practices.

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