Kassandra Griffin, CESP Workforce Development Specialist Valeo Behavioral Health Care
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is an under-utilized employer tax incentive to hire individuals with disabilities. This credit can reduce hiring costs by utilizing the credit for hiring individuals with disabilities or from other targeted groups. To be eligible for certification disabled individuals can be utilizing vocational rehabilitation services, be currently receiving SSI benefits, Ticket to Work holders, or disabled veterans. Employers can claim a federal income tax credit for a portion of the new employee’s salary. Employers could claim a maximum tax credit of up to $2400 per new hire, this figure doubles if the new hire is a disabled veteran.
To apply
- Complete page 1 of IRS Form 8850 by the day the job offer is made.
- Complete page 2 of IRS Form 8850 after the individual is hired.
- Complete ETA Form 9061 or ETA Form 9062 if the employee has been conditionally certified as belonging to a WOTC target group by a state workforce agency, Vocational Rehabilitation agency, or another participating agency.
- Submit the completed and signed IRS and ETA forms to your state workforce agency. Forms must be submitted within 28 calendar days of the employee's start date.
These forms can be found at www.irs.gov. For further assistance with applying for this credit business can contact their state workforce agency WOTC Coordinator.
Businesses can also claim tax credits for making their businesses accessible to individuals with disabilities you can obtain more information on these tax credits at https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Tax-Benefits-for-Businesses-Who-Have-Employees-with-Disabilities
Employment Facts on Disability
- Performance by workers with disabilities is equal to or better than non-disabled peers
- Employees with disabilities have a 90% above-average job performance rating.
- Employees with disabilities have an above normal safety and attendance records.
Kassandra Griffin, CESP
Workforce Development Specialist
Valeo Behavioral Health Care