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Work Opportunity Tax Credit - W.O.T.C.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wotc

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/work-opportunity-tax-credit#targeted

Work Opportunity Tax Credit, or WOTC, is a general business credit provided under section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) that is jointly administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Labor (DOL). The WOTC is available for wages paid to certain individuals who begin work on or before December 31, 2025. The WOTC may be claimed by any employer that hires and pays or incurs wages to certain individuals who are certified by a designated local agency (sometimes referred to as a state workforce agency) as being a member of one of 10 targeted groups. In general, the WOTC is equal to 40% of up to $6,000 of wages paid to, or incurred on behalf of, an individual who: is in their first year of employment; is certified as being a member of a targeted group; and performs at least 400 hours of services for that employer.

Thus, the maximum tax credit is generally $2,400. A 25% rate applies to wages for individuals who perform fewer than 400 but at least 120 hours of service for the employer. Up to $24,000 in wages may be taken into account in determining the WOTC for certain qualified veterans. An employer cannot claim the WOTC for employees who are rehired. In general, taxable employers may carry the current year’s unused WOTC back one year and then forward 20 years. See the Instructions to Form 3800 (General Business Credit) for more information.

WOTC-Fact-Sheet-2024
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