Pennsylvania employers could claim tax credits for hiring eligible workers

Employers could claim up to $2,400 against certain state taxes for hiring eligible workers. Eligible groups include certain public-benefit recipients, veterans, and people with past felony convictions. Workers would have to meet the rules for one of the listed groups. The credit would apply against covered taxes for the current tax year, excluding taxes withheld from employees. Wages paid to anyone the employer had previously employed would not count. The act would take effect 60 days after becoming law.

Employers would need state confirmation that workers qualify. Workers would need at least 120 work hours for wages to count. Employers would need state certification by the worker's first day, or would need to complete screening by the job offer and request certification within 28 days after work begins. Special certification rules would apply to eligible unemployed veterans, and the labor secretary could allow alternative methods.

Employers receiving the credit would submit yearly hiring and employment reports to the state labor department. The department would also report participation, credits claimed, and employer locations to state lawmakers. Employer reports would count eligible workers hired or employed over the periods listed in the bill. Employer reports would begin one year after the reporting provision takes effect. State reports would be due within one year, within two years, and every two years thereafter.