**How Employers Can Improve Their Average Tax Credit (ATC) within Their Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program**
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program has proven to be a significant benefit for employers, offering substantial tax credits for hiring individuals from specific target groups. One crucial metric for evaluating the effectiveness of a WOTC program is the Average Tax Credit (ATC). ATC is defined as the total amount of certified credits divided by the number of WOTC-certified new hires. Essentially, it measures the average credit each WOTC-certified new hire generates for the employer. A higher ATC indicates a more optimized and healthier WOTC program.
### Key Variables Impacting ATC
Various industries have different ATCs due to several influencing factors. For example, industries such as restaurants, light industrial staffing, and retail typically see ATCs ranging from $500 to $1,200. In contrast, industries like construction or trucking/transportation often have higher ATCs, around $2,000 to $3,000. Understanding why ATC varies across employers is crucial for optimization. The main factors impacting ATC include pay rate, retention rate, and hours worked.
#### Pay Rate
The pay rate of WOTC-certified new hires directly affects the ATC. Higher pay rates result in higher tax credits. Here’s why: WOTC-certified new hires must work at least 120 hours before accumulating credits for the employer. For example:
– **John**: Works at $12.00/hour and is certified under the SNAP target group. After 120 hours, he earns the employer $360 in WOTC credits.
– **Mary**: Works at $27.00/hour and is certified under the Unemployed Veteran’s target group. After 120 hours, she earns the employer $810 in WOTC credits.
From this example, it’s evident that the higher the pay rate, the higher the potential ATC.
#### Retention Rate
Retaining WOTC-certified new hires for at least 120 hours is crucial for maximizing credits. Consider the following scenarios:
– **Company A**: Hires 200 people annually, with 20% certified for WOTC. If all certified new hires work at least 120 hours, and the average pay rate is $12.00/hour, the company can earn $14,400 in credits. ATC for Company A: $360.
– **Company Z**: Also hires 200 people annually, with 20% certified for WOTC. However, only 50% of the certified new hires work at least 120 hours. At the same average pay rate, the company earns $7,200 in credits. ATC for Company Z: $180.
This illustrates that the more WOTC-certified new hires retained past 120 hours, the higher the ATC.
### Strategies for Improving ATC
Rockerbox has developed several strategies to help employers improve their ATC by retaining WOTC-certified new hires and optimizing their WOTC programs:
1. **Prioritize WOTC-Eligible and Certified New Hires**: Some clients prioritize placing WOTC-certified new hires first, increasing the likelihood of retaining them for at least 120 hours.
2. **Screen for WOTC Eligibility at the Applicant Level**: Screening for eligibility during the application process allows employers to prioritize WOTC-eligible candidates in hiring decisions.
3. **Offer Retention Incentives**: Employers can offer sign-on or retention bonuses, such as gift cards, to WOTC-certified new hires upon completing 120 hours. This small incentive can significantly improve retention.
4. **Leverage Retention Apps**: Apps like Join Perry provide efficient new hire engagement and offer cash incentives for achieving milestones, enhancing retention.
5. **Implement Auto-Enroll Cafeteria Plans**: These plans can attract new hires and serve as a retention tool while providing payroll tax savings for the employer.
### Conclusion
Improving ATC is a continuous process that involves strategic planning and execution. By focusing on key variables such as pay rate and retention rate, and employing best practices, employers can optimize their WOTC programs. Rockerbox provides proactive reports and various tools to help clients manage and improve their ATC, ensuring the long-term success and health of their WOTC programs.
For more information on how Rockerbox can help you improve your ATC and optimize your WOTC program, please contact us today!