The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program is a federal tax incentive that rewards employers for hiring individuals from targeted groups facing barriers to employment. Rockerbox is a trusted WOTC provider who serves customers in a variety of industries all across the U.S.
Employers can earn between $2,400 and $9,600 per eligible employee, improving cash flow while supporting inclusive hiring.
Free Resource: Rockerbox offers a Free WOTC Optimization Audit to uncover missed credits and maximize ROI.
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What is the WOTC Program?
The WOTC program is designed to:
- Encourage businesses to hire individuals with employment barriers
- Provide employers with a dollar-for-dollar tax credit
- Support economic growth and workforce diversity
According to the U.S. Department of Labor WOTC program, employers must submit IRS Form 8850 within 28 days of hire to qualify.
Who Qualifies for the WOTC Program?
Eligible target groups include:
- Veterans (including those with disabilities or unemployed for extended periods)
- SNAP or TANF recipients
- Ex-felons
- SSI recipients
- Long-term unemployed
- Vocational rehabilitation referrals
- Summer youth employees in empowerment zones
How Much Can Employers Save?
- General range: $2,400–$9,600 per eligible hire
- Example: A staffing agency hires 25 workers, 10 qualify for WOTC at $2,400 each → $24,000 in savings
How to Apply for the WOTC Program
- Screen new hires with IRS Form 8850
- Submit IRS Form 8850 & ETA Form 9061 to your State Workforce Agency within 28 days
- Receive certification from the state
- Claim the credit on your federal tax return
Warning: Missing the deadline means losing credits.
Why Employers Miss Out on WOTC Savings
- Not screening all new hires
- Incomplete or late submissions
- Poor follow-up with state workforce agencies
- Providers that prioritize processing over ROI
How Rockerbox Makes the WOTC Program Easy
Unlike standard providers, Rockerbox focuses on optimization, not just compliance:
- Automated hire screening
- Proactive state agency follow-ups
- Payroll integration for accuracy
- Transparent reporting and ROI tracking
- Up to 40% more credits captured for clients
Free WOTC Audit: See What You’re Missing
Think your WOTC program is fully optimized? Let’s find out. With Rockerbox’s Free WOTC Audit, you’ll discover:
- Missed credits from past hires
- Compliance risks
- ROI opportunities compared to ADP, Equifax, and Experian
Schedule A Call Request A WOTC Audit
FAQs
What is the purpose of the WOTC program?
It encourages employers to hire individuals from target groups while reducing federal tax liability.
Who can claim WOTC credits?
Both taxable businesses and certain tax-exempt organizations can claim WOTC.
How much is the WOTC worth per employee?
Employers can save between $2,400 and $9,600 per eligible hire.
Why work with Rockerbox for WOTC?
Rockerbox increases screening completion rates, certification yields, and ROI compared to traditional providers.