New Jersey Announces New Online WOTC System

Aug-15-11 Christie Administration Unveils Streamlined E-Filing System to Give New Jersey Businesses Tax Credits More Quickly. Work Opportunity Tax Credits Helps Employers Hire Workers with Barriers

TRENTON, AUGUST 15, 2011 -- Advancing Governor Christie’s commitment to making New Jersey more business friendly, Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Harold J. Wirths today unveiled a new online system that allows employers to quickly apply for and receive Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC).

“This is another way our administration is cutting red tape,” said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, who oversees economic development in New Jersey. “Making it easier for businesses to claim tax credits will lead to more jobs for qualified individuals.”

WOTC refers to a federal tax credit incentive program that offers significant tax credits – up to $4,800 the first year – to employers who hire job seekers with barriers to employment. The targeted groups include individuals with disabilities, those receiving public assistance or food stamps, people previously incarcerated and qualified veterans. The program requires a minimum employment retention period.

“We are excited to bring this new technology to our business customers,” said Commissioner Wirths. “With this new, streamlined electronic system, tax credit certifications for most employers may be validated within two business days. As a result, we are encouraged that even more employers will take advantage of the WOTC program and federal tax credits through the new filing system.”

The new online system replaces the previous method of submitting applications through the U.S. Postal Service and also addresses a backlog of applications that left many employers waiting months to receive their tax credits. An added benefit is that employers may go online to check the status of their applications and determinations.

“Employers or tax credit consultants that represent employers may use the WOTC electronic filing system,” said Anthony Ferrera, director of Workforce Portfolio and Contract Management at the Department of Labor. “The new electronic online system offers more flexibility and control over the application process, which is available 24 hours. The online system not only minimizes errors, but it also moves the process along more quickly so we may promptly validate a business’s tax credit certification.”

In January, the Department of Labor formed an employer focus group to review the design and provide feedback on the web application. In May, the department launched a pilot program, using several employers and consultants, which allowed the department to make modifications to ensure the system is user friendly for New Jersey’s employers.

“Overall, I like the system,” said Lois Zwick, an administrative assistant whose consultant group, Walton Management Services of Ocean, N.J., participated in the pilot program. “It’s long overdue, and the system allows you to go in and fix errors which will cut down on a lot of unnecessary work and back log.”

Employers or job-seekers who want more information about the WOTC program or how to file the online application should go to: http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/employer/content/wotc.html, or send an email to: WOTCinquiries@dol.state.nj.us, or call: (609) 292-5525