News

April 27, 2010 NHRMA Mutual, MPIC News and Updates

IRS Posts HIRE Act Questions and Answers for Employers

Under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, enacted March 18, 2010, two new tax benefits are available to employers who hire certain previously unemployed workers (qualified employees).  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently posted questions and answers (Q&A) addressing these two new tax benefits.

The first, referred to as the payroll tax exemption, provides employers with an exemption from the employer’s 6.2 percent share of social security tax on wages paid to qualifying employees, effective for wages paid from March 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010.  Access the Q&As at http://bit.ly/blKyxP.

In addition, for each qualified employee retained for at least 52 consecutive weeks, businesses will also be eligible for a general business tax credit, referred to as the new hire retention credit, of 6.2 percent of wages paid to the qualified employee over the 52 week period, up to a maximum credit of $1,000.  Access the Q&As at http://bit.ly/bp1hAH. 

The IRS has also posted a form employee affidavit that employers can use to claim a payroll tax credit for newly hired employees, made available under HIRE Act. Access the form here http://bit.ly/dew3F9.