8 Financial Incentives Promoting Workforce Sustainability

Hey there, business owners! Let’s talk about your team. They’re the ones who bring your vision to life, greet your customers with a smile, and maybe even make that killer coffee that gets everyone through Monday mornings.

And let’s be real, keeping that team together can sometimes feel like trying to keep a band together on a never-ending tour. You must constantly be on top of workplace morale, ensuring everyone’s needs are properly met.

But what if I told you that there are financial incentives out there that can help keep your employees happy and productive? Yes, amidst the myriad business expenses, there are valuable government incentives specifically designed to help you sustain your workforce.

So, buckle up as we dive into the incentives that could be music to your ears and your budget.

1. Utilizing Form 8995 for Qualified Business Income Deduction

One way to enhance your financial strategy is by taking advantage of the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction using Form 8995.

This deduction allows eligible small business owners to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income from their taxes.

Understanding how to fill out Form 8995 correctly can unlock significant tax savings, giving you more leeway to invest back into your workforce.

Navigating Form 8995:

So, what is Form 8995? It’s designed for small businesses and offers a simplified calculation for the QBI deduction. It applies to business owners with taxable income below $163,300 for single filers or $326,600 for joint filers (as of the 2020 tax year).

If you qualify, it’s crucial to accurately report your income and understand the types of income considered “qualified” to calculate and claim this valuable deduction properly.

Consulting with a tax professional can ensure you maximize this opportunity without facing complex tax laws.

2. Employee Retention Credits

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a tax credit established to incentivize businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the economic downturns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For qualifying employers, this means a substantial credit based on a percentage of employee wages. Specifically, for 2021, businesses can claim up to 70% of the first $10,000 in wages paid to an employee per quarter.

Understanding ERC Claims:

To claim the ERC, employers should evaluate their eligibility based on a significant decline in gross receipts or if their business operations were fully or partially suspended due to government orders.

The credit is claimed on the employer’s federal payroll tax returns, and it’s possible to adjust previous quarters’ returns if the credit was not initially claimed. Keeping detailed and accurate payroll records is essential for substantiating the claim.

3. Work Opportunity Tax Credit

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a Federal tax credit available to employers who hire individuals from certain groups that have historically faced significant barriers to employment.

This includes veterans, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, and others. The credit can amount to between $1,200 and $9,600 per employee, depending on the target group the new hire belongs to and the number of hours they work.

Strategic Hiring for Tax Benefits:

For employers, this means that hiring from these groups supports social initiatives and offers a tangible financial return. To claim the WOTC, employers must first obtain certification that their new hire is eligible for the credit.

This involves filing Form 8850 with the state workforce agency within 28 days of the employee’s start date.

4. Training and Development Grants

Investing in employee development benefits staff retention and satisfaction; it can also be financially advantageous through various training grants.

These grants can subsidize the costs associated with professional development programs, covering a portion of or sometimes even the entire cost of training.

Securing Training Grants:

Businesses looking to apply for these grants must present a case showing how the training will benefit both the employees and the company.

This might include demonstrating how the training will lead to improved operations, increased revenue, or the development of new products or services. Grants are often competitive, so a strong application is crucial.

5. State-Specific Subsidies and Grants

State-specific financial incentives, such as tax credits, rebates, or grants, can take many forms and are typically designed to encourage business growth and job creation within the state.

These incentives might support various business activities, including expanding facilities, purchasing equipment, or developing new technologies.

Accessing State-Sponsored Financial Aid:

To access these financial incentives, businesses should contact their state’s Department of Commerce or a similar agency responsible for economic development.

These departments can provide information on what financial incentives are available, the application process, and the deadlines for application submissions. They can also offer guidance on improving the likelihood of receiving these incentives.

6. Paid Family and Medical Leave Credit

The Paid Family and Medical Leave Credit is an incentive for employers who provide paid leave for family and medical reasons.

If you’re offering this benefit, you can claim a tax credit. This credit is based on a percentage of the wages paid to qualifying employees while they’re on leave.

Implementing a Compliant Leave Program:

To qualify, you must have a written policy and provide at least two weeks of paid leave annually at a minimum of 50% of the employee’s regular earnings.

Small businesses can particularly benefit from this credit as it can help offset some of the costs of providing paid leave, making it more manageable to offer this benefit.

7. Local Investment and Development Credits

Local governments may provide tax credits and other incentives for businesses that make investments that benefit the community or lead to infrastructure improvements.

These incentives can help reduce the cost of expanding your operations or upgrading equipment.

Taking Advantage of Community Development Incentives:

Stay connected with your local government to learn about these incentives.

Participating in community projects or improvements can open doors to financial credits that support your business while you contribute to the economic development of your area.

8. Disaster Relief Assistance

In the unfortunate event of natural disasters, businesses can access various financial assistance programs to help them recover.

These programs are designed to fund businesses to continue paying their employees and repairing damages.

Applying for Disaster Relief Assistance:

To access these funds, acting quickly and applying through the appropriate federal or state agency is crucial. Timely application is essential, as funds are often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

These funds can be instrumental in keeping your workforce employed during the recovery period.

Conclusion

There are several financial incentives designed to help you keep your workforce strong.

From federal tax credits for employee retention and hiring targeted groups to grants for training and development, as well as state-specific and local community development incentives. Additionally, disaster relief assistance can provide essential support in times of crisis.

Business owners must proactively seek out these opportunities and take the necessary steps to apply and qualify for them. By doing so, they can ensure the stability of their workforce and the continuity of their business operations.