Tax benefits for hiring new employees are now available. An employer who hires an unemployed worker after February 3, 2010 and before January 1, 2011 may qualify for a 6.2% payroll tax incentive. This, in effect exempts them from their share of Social Security for wages paid after March 18, 2010.

In addition the business can get a tax credit of up to $1,000.00 per worker who is retained for at least a year on their 2011 income tax return.

To qualify employers must get a statement form each new hire certifying that they were unemployed during the 60 days before beginning work or worked fewer that a total of 40 hours in that same time frame.

Call if you have any questions or visit www.IRS.gov.