Start with the money on the table, because it changes the math. Then cost building against buying honestly.
WOTC Eligibility Quick-Check
Work Opportunity Tax Credit: 14 target groups, wage caps, and your estimated federal credit per hire.
Built from IRS Work Opportunity Tax Credit, 14 target groups with wage caps and hour thresholds
Includes the 28-day Form 8850 window, which is where most employers lose the credit.
You are on Free. 3 of 5 tools in Train and offset cost are open to you. See what the other 2 add.
How it works
120+ hours unlocks 25% of eligible wages; 400+ hours unlocks the full 40%. Wage caps vary by target group ($6,000 to $24,000). Form 8850 must be filed within 28 days of the start date.
Programs that fit this work
Add roles to your set and these rank to your own hiring. Eligibility is set by each program, not by us.
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Power Up Indiana DWD State
Reimburses companies up to $5,000 per trainee ($50,000 max per company) for employee training that results in industry-recognized credentials, cross-training/reskilling, leadership development, or registered apprenticeships. Minimum starting wage: $23.50/hr.
Who qualifies: Indiana employers registered with Secretary of State, with physical IN location, current DWD unemployment tax account. Nonprofits NOT eligible.
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Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) IEDC State
Reimburses businesses (typically 50%) for eligible training costs over 2 years. Training must lead to postsecondary credentials, industry credentials, or specialized training resulting in wage increases. Tied to new capital investment.
Who qualifies: Indiana businesses supporting training tied to new capital investment. Training must lead to credentials or specialized skills resulting in wage increases.
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Employer Training Grant (Next Level Jobs) DWD State
Reimburses Indiana employers up to $5,000 per employee ($50,000 max) for training that results in industry-recognized credentials. Covers 6 priority sectors plus early childhood education.
Who qualifies: Indiana employers registered with Secretary of State, with physical Indiana location, current DWD unemployment tax account. Must train in priority sectors: adva…
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Section 127 Employer Educational Assistance IRS Federal
Employers can provide up to $5,250/year tax-free per employee for tuition, fees, books, and student loan repayment. Made permanent by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (July 2025). Indexed for inflation starting 2026.
Who qualifies: Any employer with a written Section 127 educational assistance plan. Employees receiving the benefit. Cannot discriminate in favor of highly compensated employe…
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Indiana R&D Tax Credit DOR State
State tax credit of 15% on the first $1 million in qualified research expenses plus 10% above $1 million for companies conducting R&D in Indiana.
Who qualifies: Indiana businesses with qualified research expenses (QREs) in Indiana. Generally follows federal IRC Section 41 definitions.