Tax credits for qualified employees with disabilities

Section 38JJ.

# (a)

A business corporation engaged in business in the commonwealth shall be allowed a credit equal to $5,000 or 30 per cent of the wages paid to each qualified employee with a disability in the first taxable year of employment, whichever is less, against the tax liability imposed by this chapter. Such employer shall be allowed a credit equal to $2,000 or 30 per cent of the wages paid to each qualified employee with a disability in each subsequent taxable year of employment, whichever is less, against the tax liability imposed by this chapter. If a credit allowed by this section exceeds the tax otherwise due under this chapter, 100 per cent of the balance of such credit may, at the option of the taxpayer, be refundable to the taxpayer. In order to qualify, the employee with a disability shall be: (i) certified by MassAbility as meeting the definition of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12102; (ii) capable of working independently; (iii) physically or mentally impaired in a manner that constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment for the individual; and (iv) hired by the employer after July 1, 2021.

# (b)

To be eligible for a credit under this section: (i) the primary place of employment and the primary place of residence of the employee shall be in the commonwealth; (ii) the business shall receive the applicable certification from MassAbility that the employee qualifies not later than the day the employee begins work; provided, reasonable exceptions to this timeframe may be established through regulation; and (iii) the employee shall be employed by the business corporation for a period of at least 12 consecutive months prior to and in the taxable year in which the credit is claimed.

# (c)

In the case of a business corporation that is subject to a minimum excise under this chapter, the amount of the credit allowed by this section shall not reduce the excise to an amount less than such minimum excise.

# (d)

A business corporation that is eligible for and claims the credit allowed under this section in a taxable year with respect to a qualified employee with a disability shall be eligible for such credit in the subsequent taxable year with respect to such qualified employee. Any credit allowed under this section shall not be transferable.

# (e)

The secretary of health and human services, in consultation with the commissioner, shall promulgate regulations establishing an application process for the credit.

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