Although October was Disability Employment Awareness Month, it’s always a good time to emphasize the important advantages of tapping this grossly under-utilized segment of the labor force.

Employers should especially know about a tax credit, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), available to them if they hire certain targeted groups. It replaces the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit Program.

The WOTC provides a tax credit for employers who hire low income groups, including vocational rehabilitation (VR) referrals, former Aid to Families with Dependent Children recipients, veterans, ax-felons, food stamp recipients, summer youth employees and Supplemental Security Income recipients. Following are some of the questions most often asked about this program.

How does the WOTC apply to persons with disabilities?

Applicants who are VR referrals are eligible. A VR referral is certified by the state employment security agency (SESA) as:
• Having a physical or mental disability resulting in a hindrance to employment; and
• Referred to an employer upon completion of or while receiving rehabilitative services, pursuant to the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

What is the amount? A tax credit of up to 40 percent of the first $6,000, or up to $2,400, in wages paid during the first 12 months for each new hire.

What are the effective dates? Oct. 1, 1997, until July 1, 2001. (This program is subject to yearly Congressional renewal.)

What are the minimum employment requirements? Eligible employees must work 180 days or 400 hours; summer youth must work 20 days or 120 hours. A partial credit of 25 percent for certified employees who worked at least 120 hours, but less than 400 hours may be claimed by the employer.

What agency provides the WOTC certification? The local SESA.

How do employers file for this credit? Complete and submit IRS Form 8850, “Pre-Screening Notices and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity and Welfare-to-Work Credits,” to your local SESA.

How does it work?

The employer determines likely eligibility by including the WOTC Pre-Screening Notice as part of the application process.

On or before the day employment is offered, the Pre-Screening notice must be signed by the employer and employee and mailed to the SESA within 21 days after the employee begins work.

The employer documents eligibility (based on information received from the employee) and submits documentation to the SESA.
SESA certifies which individuals are eligible for WOTC, and notifies the employer in writing for purposes of filing the tax credit.

Where can an employer obtain IRS Form 8850? Call 1-800829-3076.

Where can an employer obtain additional information? Call your state employment agency WOTC coordinator or (202) 219-9092.