Apprentice income tax credit

A taxpayer who employs an apprentice pursuant to an apprentice agreement registered with the Office of Apprenticeship of the Employment and Training Administration of the United States Department of Labor is allowed a credit against an income tax imposed pursuant to this chapter equal to the greater of the cost of the apprenticeship or one thousand dollars for each apprentice employed, but not to exceed four thousand dollars for an apprentice, or six thousand dollars for the youth apprenticeship program. A credit is not allowed unless the apprentice was in the employ of the taxpayer for at least seven full months of the taxable year and a credit is not allowed for an individual apprentice for more than four taxable years; however, if the apprentice completes the apprenticeship and remains an employee of the taxpayer, the taxpayer may claim the one thousand dollar credit for up to three additional taxable years. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the maximum aggregate credit for all taxpayers may not exceed five million dollars in any one tax year. The General Assembly, in the annual general appropriations act, may increase or decrease the maximum aggregate credit amount. The department shall prescribe a form to claim this credit that provides information to the department sufficient for the proper administration of this credit. Any unused credit may be carried forward for three years.