CMS Work Opportunity Tax Credit Newsletter December 2025
In this issue:
- Reminder to Customers
- Brian Kelly Talks WOTC on the Sage Thought Leadership Podcast
- WOTC Wednesday: How Long Must an Eligible Employee Work Before You Receive a WOTC Tax Credit?
- Understanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit’s Target Groups: Vocational Rehabilitation Referral
- #ICYMI
Reminder to Customers: Log in to Make the Most of Your Admin Portal
As winter settles in, we know your team may be navigating holidays, staffing changes, and onboarding shifts. To make sure you don’t miss any important WOTC communications, now’s a great time to review and update your contact info.
Update Contacts in Your Admin Portal
Log in and head to the “ORGANIZATION INFORMATION” tab to:
- Add or remove your WOTC contacts
- Ensure the right team members receive important updates and alerts
- Keep your program running smoothly through seasonal transitions
Key Reminders Before Year-End
- Screen Every New Hire: Don’t miss out on potential tax credits—screen everyone!
- Check Your Links: Make sure your WOTC onboarding links are active. Let us know if you need updates.
- 28-Day Deadline: WOTC forms must be submitted within 28 days of the new hire’s start date to remain eligible.
Brian Kelly Talks WOTC on the Sage Thought Leadership Podcast
️Brian Kelly is featured on this week’s Sage Thought Leadership Podcast with Ed Kless talking about taking advantage of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
WOTC Wednesday: How Long Must an Eligible Employee Work Before You Receive a WOTC Tax Credit?
CMS’s Brian Kelly answers your questions about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit in our weekly video Q&A series #WOTCWednesday.
Other Recent #WOTCWednesday Questions Answered:
- Is There a Minimum Wage for WOTC?
- How many WOTC Target Groups are there?
- Is There a WOTC Tax Credit for Hiring Former Employees?
Submit your question for Brian here.
Understanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit’s Target Groups: Vocational Rehabilitation Referral
New hires who fall under one or more of WOTC’s Target Groups may make you eligible for a WOTC Tax Credit. Target Group #5 is the Vocational Rehabilitation Referral.
20,775 individuals were hired with certification from this group in 2024, 1.3% of the total.
A “vocational rehabilitation referral” is a person who has a physical or mental disability and has been referred to the employer while receiving or upon completion of rehabilitative services pursuant to:
- A state plan approved under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- An Employment Network Plan under the Ticket to Work program or
- A program carried out under the Department of Veteran Affairs
The maximum tax credit available for hiring a Vocational Rehabilitation Referral is $2,400.
#ICYMI
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- Your WOTC Dashboard
- IRS Encourages Employers to Take Advantage of Work Opportunity Tax Credit
- EEOC Issues Formal Opinion on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit
- WOTC’s Target Groups
- Calculate your WOTC Savings
- Tips to Maximize WOTC Participation and Increase Savings
- Cost Management Services Achieves SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance
Cost Management Services (“CMS”) the developer of iRecruit, Applicant Tracking and Onboarding Software, and Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Screening Software Provider is excited to share the successful completion of our SOC 2 Type II compliance assessment, led by Insight Assurance. This achievement highlights our ongoing focus on protecting customer data, improving internal controls, and staying aligned with evolving industry expectations.
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#WeKnowWOTC
The latest news on the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) from Cost Management Services. Sign Up for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Newsletter
Related: WOTC Newsletter Archive
