As an employer, it is important to take advantage of available tax credits to reduce costs and improve the bottom line. Two popular options are the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Both credits provide financial incentives for employers who meet certain eligibility criteria and hire or retain employees from specific groups. However, deciding which option is the best fit for your business can be challenging. In this content outline, we will explore the key differences between ERC and WOTC, including eligibility criteria, how each credit works, and the pros and cons of each. By the end of this outline, you should have a better understanding of which option is the right choice for your business.
To help businesses weather the storm of the COVID-19 epidemic, a tax break known as the Employee Retention break (ERC) was implemented. The purpose of this loan is to provide financial incentives for businesses to hold on to their staff despite the disruptive effects of the pandemic on the economy. Employers that have had a considerable drop in gross receipts or have been forced to close owing to COVID-19 can apply for ERC.
For instance, businesses that saw a decline of at least 50% in their gross receipts in any calendar quarter of 2020 as compared to the same quarter in 2019, or businesses that were forced to suspend their operations due to government orders qualify for the credit. The ERC is available for wages paid between March 12, 2020, and December 31, 2021.
The ERC credit is worth up to $7,000 per employee per quarter and is calculated based on 70% of the eligible wages paid during the quarter. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible employers can receive payment for the full amount of the credit, even if it exceeds their employment tax liability. This makes the ERC a significant relief option for employers who retained their employees and faced financial challenges due to COVID-19.
While the ERC provides significant benefits to eligible employers, it is important to note that it may not be available to all businesses. Additionally, there are restrictions on how the credit can be used, such as not being able to claim the credit on wages paid with forgiven Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. However, despite these limitations, the ERC remains a valuable resource for businesses looking to reduce their employment tax liability and gain financial relief during the pandemic.
Employers who hire people from certain underrepresented groups might receive a federal tax credit known as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Veterans, ex-convicts, the long-term unemployed, and SNAP recipients are just a few of the populations that fall into this category.
To qualify for the credit, employers must obtain certification from the state workforce agency that the employee is a member of a targeted group. This certification can be obtained before the employee starts work or within 28 days of their start date. The credit amount varies based on the targeted group and is a percentage of the first-year wages paid to eligible employees, up to a maximum credit of $9,600 per employee.
The WOTC is a valuable incentive for employers looking to reduce their hiring costs and support individuals from targeted groups who may face difficulty securing employment. However, the certification process can be time-consuming, and the credit may not offset all costs associated with hiring and training new employees.
Despite these limitations, the WOTC remains a valuable resource for businesses looking to increase their workforce diversity and support individuals who may face barriers to employment. For example, a manufacturing company that hires a veteran who is a member of a targeted group and pays them $50,000 in their first year may be eligible for a WOTC credit of up to $9,600. This credit can significantly reduce the overall hiring costs for the company. Similarly, a retail business that hires an individual who has been long-term unemployed and pays them $30,000 in their first year may be eligible for a WOTC credit of up to $2,400, further reducing their hiring costs.
Overall, both ERC and WOTC provide valuable incentives for employers to hire and retain employees, but the best option for a specific business will depend on their individual circumstances and goals. Employers should consult with their tax advisor or accountant to determine the best option for their business.
Both the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) offer significant financial incentives for businesses to bring on and keep on staff. The ERC is more generous to employers in terms of the tax credit it offers per worker, while the WOTC is designed to encourage businesses to hire people from underrepresented groups. The final decision between ERC and WOTC will be based on each company's unique situation and objectives. Employers should think about their unique business demands and talk to a tax expert or accountant before making a decision. These tax credits allow businesses to hire more people from underrepresented groups at a lower cost.
