•  The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides a federal tax credit for employers who hire individuals with disabilities which are considered barriers to employment. The tax credit is up to 40% of the employee’s first $6,000 in wages – up to a maximum of $2,400.

•  The Workers with Disabilities Employment Tax Credit (WETC) provides a state tax credit for employers who hire individuals with disabilities which are considered barriers to employment. The tax credit is up to 35% of the employee’s first $6,000 in wages during the second year of employment up to a maximum of $2,100.

•  The Empire Zone (EZ) Wage Tax Credit benefits employers whose business is located in an Empire Zone; this must be certified by the NYS Department of Labor and the Empire State Development Commissioner. This tax credit is for a newly created job.

The credit is $3,000 if the person hired is a targeted individual and the job pays at least 135% of the minimum wage.

The credit is $1,500 if the person hired is not a targeted individual or the job pays less than 135% of the minimum wage.

This credit can be applied for up to five years.

•  For additional information regarding tax incentives, including certification requirements and what the employer needs to do, please see:
U.S. Dept. of Labor: www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/hiring.htm
VESID: www.vesid.nysed.gov/employers/save_money/tax_credits.htm