CMS Work Opportunity Tax Credit Newsletter November 2025

CMS Work Opportunity Tax Credit Newsletter November 2025

In this issue:

• Reminder to Customers
• CMS Pin Point WOTC Technology (CPPT)
• Cost Management Services Achieves SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance
• WOTC Wednesday: Is it Worth it for Employers to Use WOTC Tax Credits?
• Understanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit’s Target Groups: Designated Community Resident
• #ICYMI

 

Reminder to Customers: Make the Most of Your Admin Portal

As fall settles in, we know your team may be navigating vacations, 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 WOTC contacts
• Ensure the right team members receive updates and alerts
• Keep your program running smoothly through seasonal transitions

Make the Most of Your Admin Portal

Your Admin Portal is packed with tools to help you stay on top of your WOTC program:

• ✅ Quickly check WOTC results
• Export data to Excel for easy record keeping
• View Realized Tax Certifications with backup documentation
• Get email notifications when forms are completed
• Update company contact information
• Explore “Intro to WOTC” resources to learn more

Key Reminders Before Year-End

• Screen Every New Hire: Don’t miss potential 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.

 

CMS Pin Point WOTC Technology (CPPT)

CMS’s Pin Point WOTC Technology (CPPT) performs a multi-step process to detect, identify and confirm new hires living in Federal Empowerment Zones and Rural Renewal Communities. CMS provides another technology tool designed to maximize the federal tax credit program for our clients.

 

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.

WOTC Wednesday: Is it Worth it for Employers to Use WOTC Tax Credits?

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:

• How many WOTC Tax Credit Target Groups are there?
• Can I Integrate the WOTC Program with my Onboarding Software?
• How are Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) Calculated?

 

Understanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit’s Target Groups: Designated Community Resident

New hires who fall under one or more of WOTC’s Target Groups may make you eligible for a WOTC Tax Credit. Target Group #4 is the Designated Community Resident.

104,547 individuals were hired with certification from this group in 2024, 6.6% of the total. The Summer Youth target group also requires the qualified applicants to live in an Empowerment Zone, Enterprise Community or a Renewal Community.

A Designated Community Resident is an individual who, on the date of hiring:

• Is at least 18 years old and under 40,
• Resides within one of the following:
  • An Empowerment zone
  • An Enterprise community
  • A Renewal community
    • AND continues to reside at the locations after employment.

The maximum tax credit available for hiring a Designated Community Resident is $2,400.

See more about the Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Zones, Rural Renewal Counties, and drill down to your location using the map.

#ICYMI