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Maximize Your Tax Savings with the Work Opportunity Credit

As a savvy business owner, you understand the value of leveraging tax credits to optimize your financials while contributing positively to society. One of the most impactful opportunities available to you now is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). With this credit set to expire on December 31, 2025, it’s crucial to act decisively to benefit your business and the community.

What You Need to Know About the Work Opportunity Tax Credit: The WOTC is designed to incentivize employers to hire individuals from certain target groups who often face employment barriers. By utilizing this credit, you not only gain direct cost savings but also help diversify and strengthen the workforce. To qualify, new employees must start employment prior to January 1, 2026, under current guidelines.

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Identifying Eligible Target Groups: It’s critical to understand which individuals are eligible. The credit covers a variety of groups, including:

  • Veterans: Especially those who are unemployed or veterans with service-related disabilities.

  • Long-term Unemployed: Individuals who have been out of work for 27 weeks or more.

  • Ex-Felons: Those who face challenges in finding employment due to previous convictions.

  • SNAP Recipients: Those who have received food stamps within the past six months.

  • TANF Recipients: Individuals who have received assistance within the last two years.

  • Designated Community Residents: Particularly those living in empowerment zones, aged between 18 to 39.

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Referrals: Individuals with disabilities referred by a rehabilitation agency.

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Determining Credit Amounts and Eligibility: Your potential credit savings are significant, varying by group and working hours. Generally, you can claim up to 40% of the first $6,000 in wages, with unique provisions for veterans and others, ranging up to $9,600. Importantly, the employee must work at least 120 hours to qualify, with enhanced benefits for those working over 400 hours.

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Navigating the Certification Process: To secure these credits, it's essential to complete the required WOTC forms, including IRS Form 8850, within 28 days of the employee’s start date. This process also involves the submission of ETA Form 9061 or 9062 to the State Workforce Agency (SWA).

Special Considerations for Tax-Exempt Employers: Even for tax-exempt entities like 501(c) organizations, the WOTC can offer valuable savings when hiring qualified veterans, applied against the employer Social Security tax.

The Imperative to Act: Given the looming expiration of the WOTC, businesses must prioritize this opportunity. At ChesebroCPA, we're here to ensure you are fully informed and strategically positioned to take advantage of these tax savings. We integrate expert CPA knowledge with personalized service to streamline these processes for all our clients, especially within the construction industry.

Time is of the essence. Reach out to us today for a consultation, and let’s make sure your business leverages every available advantage. Contact us if you have questions about how this credit might apply to your business.

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