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June 1997 |
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June 1997 |
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Tax Credits - Employment Of Individuals With Disabilities
By Bobette Watts, Public Information Officer,
Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities(410)333-3098
A lot of work, planning, organizing and coordinating go into the passage of a bill. House Bill 496 and Senate Bill 228 were no exception. The bills came about as a recommendation from the Governor appointed Employment Workgroup which was charged with addressing various issues relating to the employment of people with disabilities. The Employment Workgroup members believed that the tax credit could become one significant element, or tool, in Maryland's effort to reduce the unemployment rate of individuals with disabilities, and would be of particular assistance to small businesses which are important to the success of both Maryland's continued economic growth and increased employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The Governor accepted the recommendation and approved it for implementation. The result was the two tax credit bills which will go into effect on October 1, 1997. Many people were instrumental in helping to get these bills passed through the legislative process. Bea Rodgers, Director, Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities, Robert Burns, Assistant School Superintendent, State Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services, Thomas Saquella, President, Retail Merchants and Bob Hoffmann, Director, Maryland Works, Inc., were some of the key players. A coordinated effort between consumers, providers, businesses and legislators brought about the passage of the bills. A fact sheet highlighting the important aspects of the bills is attached.
Fact Sheet
Tax Credits - Employment of Individuals with Disabilities
The following is a brief summary of the Administration's proposed tax credit for employers hiring individuals with disabilities:
The program sunsets in three years, on October 1, 2001
- The tax credit will be a two-year credit equal to 20% of the first $6,000 in wages paid (up to a maximum of $1,200 per year) for the hiring of a qualified individual with a disability
- The credit will apply to each individual hired on a full-time or part-time basis
- Any employer in the State who pays income tax will be eligible to use the tax credit
- An individual must work for an employer for a year in order for an employer to claim the credit. exception: if the employee resigns or is unable to continue employment due to death or a further disability)
- The tax credit applies to employees hired who meet the definition of an individual with a disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. They will be certified by the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services ([)ORS). (The individual does not need to be a participant in the DORS program to qualify).
- The tax credit applies to all individuals with a qualified disability hired after October 1, 1997
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