Job & Family Services ODJFS Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program (WOTC) provides Ohio employers with a federal tax credit when they hire individuals from certain target groups of disadvantaged job seekers. Target Groups has a detailed description of the WOTC target groups.

Tax credits can be as much as:

  1. $2,400 for each new adult hire,
  2. $1,200 for each new summer youth hire, 
  3. $4,800 for each new disabled veteran hire,
  4. $6,000 for each new unemployed veteran hire, and
  5. $9,000 over a two-year period, for each new long-term family assistance recipient hire.
  6. $9,600 for each new veteran hire with a service connected disability

The employer must apply for and receive certification from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to claim the tax credits on their federal tax returns. WOTC replaces the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit and is authorized through December 31, 2011. Because it is anticipated that WOTC will be re-authorized, employers may continue to submit applications for review. Ohio processes requests in accordance with the business rules established by the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor for all target groups.

There are only two forms required to apply for these tax credits. The 8850 and instructions from the Internal Revenue Service open up your request for a tax credit. The ETA Form 9061 from the U.S. Department of Labor lists the different target groups. A Spanish version of these forms is also available at the following links: IRS Form 8850  and ETA Form 9061. How To Participate provides additional information.

WOTC Program Overview

Ineligible for the WOTC Tax Credits:

  • Employers not covered by FUTA
  • Relatives of the employer
  • Non-qualifying rehires
  • Federally subsidized on-the-job training positions
  • Hired employee not a member of a target group

Last Update 12/19/2011