Fresh from the IRS

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 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.

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.

Questions and Answers for:

• Payroll Tax Exemption for Hiring Unemployed Workers
• Business Credit for Retention of Certain Newly Hired Individuals in 2010

HIRE News Releases:

• Form to Claim Payroll Tax Exemption for Hiring New Workers Now Available
• Special Payroll Tax Exemption Form Now Available
• Two New Tax Benefits Aid Employers Who Hire and Retain Unemployed Workers