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Tax Credit Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer: The FAQs provided here were accurate and up-to-date when published, based on the current IRS regulations and guidelines available at the time. However, tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and the information provided here may no longer be accurate or applicable. We strongly recommend that you register for the latest information on tax credits, and to ensure that your business is eligible to claim the credit. We make no guarantees or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and will not be held liable for any damages or losses arising from its use.
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
What is the WOTC tax credit?
The WOTC tax credit is a federal tax credit administered by the IRS that provides financial incentives to employers who hire individuals from target groups.
What are the target groups eligible for WOTC?
The target groups eligible for WOTC include veterans, designated community residents, and long-term unemployed individuals.
Can employers claim WOTC for existing employees?
No, WOTC can only be claimed for new hires who belong to one of the target groups.
How much can an employer claim for each new hire under the WOTC program?
An employer can claim up to $9,600 per new hire in tax savings under the WOTC program.
Is there a deadline to apply for WOTC?
Yes, employers must submit Form 8850 to their state workforce agency within 28 days of the eligible individual's start date.
Is there a limit to the number of employees for which an employer can claim WOTC?
No, there is no limit to the number of eligible employees for which an employer can claim the WOTC.
Can an employee receive WOTC for more than one target group?
Yes, an employee may be eligible for more than one target group, and the employer can claim the credit for each applicable target group.
How long does it take to receive the WOTC credit?
The timeframe for receiving the WOTC credit can vary, but typically employers can expect to receive the credit within 60 to 90 days after submitting the required documentation.
Are there any state tax credits available for hiring WOTC-eligible employees?
Yes, many states offer their own tax credits for employers who hire WOTC-eligible employees. Employers should check with their state workforce agency for more information.
Can the WOTC be used to offset payroll taxes?
Yes, the WOTC can be used to offset federal income tax liability or payroll taxes, including Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Can an employer claim the WOTC for part-time employees?
Yes, employers can claim the WOTC for part-time employees as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Can the WOTC be carried forward or back?
Yes, unused WOTC can be carried forward for up to 20 years and carried back one year.
Is WOTC available for hiring individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents?
Yes, WOTC is available for hiring individuals who are authorized to work in the United States, including non-citizens and non-permanent residents who hold valid work authorization documents.
Are there any penalties for claiming WOTC incorrectly?
Yes, employers who claim WOTC incorrectly may be subject to penalties and interest charges. It is important to ensure that all required documentation is submitted accurately and on time.
Can an employer claim the WOTC for hiring a family member?
No, an employer cannot claim the WOTC for hiring a family member, such as a spouse, parent, or child.
Are there any restrictions on the type of jobs for which an employer can claim WOTC?
No, there are no restrictions on the type of jobs for which an employer can claim the WOTC, as long as the employee meets the eligibility criteria for one of the target groups.
Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC)
What is the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC)?
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC) is provided to businesses with fewer than 500 employees if they keep their employees on the payroll during times of economic or public health crisis.
Which businesses are eligible for ERC?
Businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible for ERC.
How much can an employer claim under ERC?
Eligible employers may receive a tax credit of up to 50 percent of up to $10,000 in wages and health benefits for any employee between March 12, 2020, and January 1, 2021.
Are there limits to the amount of the ERC?
Yes, the amount of the ERC is subject to certain limits, including limits on the number of employees and the amount of qualified wages that can be considered.
Can an employer claim both the ERC and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)?
Yes, employers can claim both the ERC and the PPP, but they cannot claim both for the same wages.
Are there any specific rules for small businesses?
Yes, small businesses with 500 or fewer employees may claim the ERC for all employees, regardless of whether they are working or not.
Are there any deadlines to claim the ERC?
Yes, the deadline for claiming the ERC is generally within three years of the date the original tax return was filed or within two years of the date the tax was paid, whichever is later.
How long will the ERC be available?
The ERC was originally set to expire at the end of 2020, but it was extended through 2021 by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
Can an employer claim the ERC for employees who were rehired after being laid off due to COVID-19?
Yes, an employer can claim the ERC for employees who were laid off due to COVID-19 and later rehired, as long as certain criteria are met.
Can an employer claim the ERC for employees who were hired during the pandemic?
Yes, an employer can claim the ERC for employees who were hired during the pandemic, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Can an employer claim the ERC for self-employed individuals?
No, the ERC is not available for self-employed individuals, but they may be eligible for other tax credits and benefits.
Are there any restrictions on how the ERC can be used?
The ERC can be used to offset payroll taxes or to request a refund, but it cannot be used to offset the employer's share of Social Security taxes or to claim a tax deduction for wages paid.
Can an employer claim the ERC for employees who are working remotely?
Yes, an employer can claim the ERC for employees who are working remotely as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Are there any penalties for claiming the ERC incorrectly?
Yes, employers who claim the ERC incorrectly may be subject to penalties and interest charges. It is important to ensure that all required documentation is submitted accurately and on time.
Can an employer claim the ERC for family members?
Energy Tax Credits
What are energy tax credits?
Energy tax credits are federal tax incentives that encourage businesses and individuals to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
What types of energy tax credits are available?
There are several types of energy tax credits available, including credits for residential renewable energy systems, commercial renewable energy systems, energy-efficient home improvements, and alternative fuel vehicles.
What are the eligibility criteria for energy tax credits?
The eligibility criteria for energy tax credits vary depending on the type of credit, but generally, the technology or improvement must be installed in a qualifying property that is owned and used by the taxpayer.
What types of renewable energy systems qualify for tax credits?
Renewable energy systems that qualify for tax credits include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and fuel cell systems.
What types of home improvements qualify for tax credits?
Home improvements that qualify for tax credits include insulation, windows, doors, roofs, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
How much is the tax credit?
The tax credit amount varies depending on the type of credit, but generally, it is a percentage of the cost of the qualifying technology or improvement.
Are there any limits to the tax credit?
Yes, there are limits to the tax credit, including maximum credit amounts and phase-out limits based on income.
How does an individual or business claim the tax credit?
Individuals and businesses can claim the tax credit on their federal tax return, using the appropriate form and following the instructions for the specific credit.
Are there any deadlines to claim the tax credit?
Yes, the deadlines for claiming the tax credit vary depending on the type of credit and when the technology or improvement was installed.
Can the tax credit be carried forward or back?
Yes, in some cases, the tax credit can be carried forward or back to other tax years.
Are there any state tax incentives available for renewable energy and energy efficiency?
Yes, many states offer their own tax incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency investments.
Can the tax credit be combined with other incentives, such as grants and loans?
Yes, in some cases, the tax credit can be combined with other incentives, such as grants and loans, to help offset the cost of the investment.
Are there any restrictions on how the tax credit can be used?
The tax credit can only be used to offset federal income tax liability, and it cannot be used to offset other taxes or to claim a refund.
Can the tax credit be used for rental properties?
Yes, the tax credit can be used for qualifying improvements made to rental properties, but special rules apply.
Are there any penalties for claiming the tax credit incorrectly?
Yes, individuals and businesses who claim the tax credit incorrectly may be subject to penalties and interest charges. It is important to ensure that all required documentation is submitted accurately and on time.
Are there any special rules or changes to energy tax credits for the current tax year?
Tax laws and regulations related to energy tax credits can change from year to year. It is important to stay up to date on any special rules or changes that may affect your eligibility or the amount of the credit you can claim.
R&D Tax Credits
What are R&D tax credits?
R&D tax credits are federal tax incentives that encourage businesses to invest in research and development activities that lead to innovation and technological advancement.
Who can claim R&D tax credits?
Corporations and individuals conducting research and development activities in the United States can claim R&D tax credits.
What types of businesses can claim R&D tax credits?
Any business that incurs expenses related to qualifying research and development activities can claim R&D tax credits, including small and large businesses in various industries.
What types of expenses can be claimed as R&D tax credits?
Expenses related to wages, supplies, and contract research can be claimed as R&D tax credits. Other expenses related to research activities may also qualify.
What types of activities qualify for R&D tax credits?
Qualifying activities must involve the development of new or improved products, processes, software, or formulas, and must involve a significant degree of uncertainty or technical risk.
Is there a minimum expenditure requirement to claim R&D tax credits?
There is no minimum expenditure requirement, but the amount of the credit is typically proportional to the amount of qualified research expenses incurred by the business.
How is the R&D tax credit calculated?
The R&D tax credit is generally calculated as a percentage of qualified research expenses, such as wages, supplies, and contract research costs.
Can R&D tax credits be carried forward or back?
Yes, in some cases, R&D tax credits can be carried forward or back to other tax years.
How does a business claim R&D tax credits?
Businesses can claim R&D tax credits on their federal tax return, using the appropriate form and following the instructions for claiming the credit.
Are there any limitations to the R&D tax credit?
Yes, there are limitations to the R&D tax credit, including annual and lifetime limits on the amount of the credit that can be claimed.
Are there any restrictions on how the R&D tax credit can be used?
The R&D tax credit can only be used to offset federal income tax liability, and it cannot be used to offset other taxes or to claim a refund.
Are there any penalties for claiming the R&D tax credit incorrectly?
Yes, businesses who claim the R&D tax credit incorrectly may be subject to penalties and interest charges. It is important to ensure that all required documentation is submitted accurately and on time.
Are there any special rules or changes to the R&D tax credit for the current tax year?
Tax laws and regulations related to the R&D tax credit can change from year to year. It is important to stay up to date on any special rules or changes that may affect your eligibility or the amount of the credit you can claim.
Can businesses claim R&D tax credits for work performed outside the United States?
Yes, in some cases, businesses can claim R&D tax credits for qualified research expenses incurred outside the United States, as long as the research is conducted under a written agreement with the U.S. government.
Can startups and small businesses claim R&D tax credits?
Yes, startups and small businesses may be eligible for R&D tax credits, and in some cases, the credit may be refundable.
How can businesses determine if their research activities qualify for the R&D tax credit?
Businesses should register with us to determine if their research activities qualify for the R&D tax credit, as the rules and requirements can be complex.
Cost Segregation Tax Credits
What are cost segregation tax credits, and when do they apply?
Cost segregation tax credits allow property owners to be more tax-efficient when writing off the costs of acquiring, constructing, or improving their properties. This credit applies to buildings placed in service after December 31, 2017.
Who is eligible for cost segregation tax credits?
Any property owner who owns a commercial or residential real estate property can be eligible for cost segregation tax credits. The property must have been acquired, constructed, or improved after 1986.
How much can I save with cost segregation tax credits?
The amount you can save with cost segregation tax credits depends on several factors, such as the size of your property, the value of your assets, and your tax bracket. On average, property owners can expect to save between 5% to 15% of their annual tax liability.
How long does it take to complete a cost segregation study?
The time it takes to complete a cost segregation study depends on the size and complexity of the property. A small commercial property may take a few days, while a large industrial facility could take several weeks.
Are cost segregation tax credits worth the cost of a cost segregation study?
For most property owners, cost segregation tax credits are worth the cost of a cost segregation study. The savings generated by the tax credits typically outweigh the cost of the study within the first year.
What documentation is required to claim cost segregation tax credits?
To claim cost segregation tax credits, property owners must provide a detailed report of the cost segregation study and a Form 3115 application to change their accounting method.
Can I claim cost segregation tax credits for previously depreciated assets?
Yes, property owners can claim cost segregation tax credits for previously depreciated assets by conducting a retroactive cost segregation study. However, the retroactive study must be completed within the first year of ownership or construction.
Can I claim cost segregation tax credits for residential rental properties?
Yes, property owners can claim cost segregation tax credits for residential rental properties if they meet the eligibility requirements. However, the tax credits may be subject to passive activity limitations.
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