Hiring Incentives for Employers

Resources for Employers

  • Disabled Access Tax Incentives:  Small businesses are eligible for two tax incentives to help cover the cost of providing reasonable accommodations for employees or customers with disabilities, such as sign language interpreters, readers, materials in alternative format (Braille or large print), the purchase of adaptive equipment, the modification of existing equipment, or the removal of architectural barriers.  For more information about properly claiming this and other tax credits, refer to IRS Publication 334, Tax Guide For Small Business, and Form 8826, Disabled Access Credit.

  •  Renewal Community Employment Credit:  This allows companies located within a "Renewal Community" to earn a tax credit of up to $1,500 for each of their employees who lives in the community.  Renewal communities are distressed urban and rural areas nationwide that are in need of revitalization.  (Note: Use the same forms as listed above.)

  • Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program (WOTC):  This program encourages employers to hire targeted groups of job seekers by offering them a federal income tax credit. The WOTC can reduce an employer’s federal tax liability by up to $2,400 per new hire.  http://www.doleta.gov/business/Incentives/opptax/

  • The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) ensures that veterans are able to compete for government positions that previously may have only been available to existing civil service employees. VEOA

  • The Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) and 30 % or more disabled veterans' programs allow eligible veterans to fill certain positions without competition.VRA

  • The VA Training Program allows eligible disabled veterans to receive training or work experience at the VA.  Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Web site for more information: http://www.opm.gov/veterans

  • The Veterans Preference gives special consideration to eligible veterans looking for Federal employment. Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the US Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-veterans both in hiring and in retention during reductions in force. OPM 

  • The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is an employment-oriented program that assists veterans with service-connected disabilities by offering services and assistance to help them prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment. Suitable employment is work that is within the veterans' physical, mental, and emotional capabilities and matches their patterns of skills, abilities, and interests. For more information on this program, visit the Veterans Benefits Administration Web site at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre

  • Troops to Teachers: Our new http://www.jobs2teach.doded.mil Schools can register to gain access to the Troops to Teachers database to search for recruiting new teachers and learn about the tax incentives for hiring veterans.

Learn More About Employment Incentives in Your State

Sierra Group Foundation Project: http://employmentincentives.com/state_incentives/state_incentives_intro.htm#fl

FMLA Update for Military Service Members or Veterans:

"On October 28, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (2010 NDAA). The new law includes an expansion of the Bush-enacted exigency and caregiver leave provisions for military families under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA). These expanded military family leave rights are effective immediately." Steven M. Gutierrez, Esq.  http://www.martindale.com/labor-employment-law/article_Holland-Hart-LLP_849558.htm

2010 Changes -- Expands the qualifying exigency leave benefits to include family members of active duty service members, since under the 2008 amendments, only family members of National Guard and Reservists were eligible for qualifying exigency leave.

2010 Changes -- Expands the caregiver leave provision to include veterans who are undergoing medical treatment, recuperation or therapy for serious injury or illness that occurred any time during the five years preceding the date of treatment.

Update from the US Secretary of Labor: