Taking effect immediately, Illinois employers will receive increased income tax credit for hiring ex-offenders.
According to the Office of Governor Pat Quinn, legislation that the governor signed on Saturday, August 3, 2013 bumps the credit from a cap of $600 to a maximum of $1,500 per employee. The approved bill also makes the tax credit valid if an ex-offender is hired within three years of being released from prison, instead of one year as the previous law stated. Tax credits per employee can be taken for up to five years.
Sponsor of the bill, State Representative Arthur Turner said this program is part of an approach to reduce the unemployment rate and reduce violence in the community.
“I am hopeful that employers will take advantage of this incentive and help provide new opportunities for men and women who deserve a second chance,” said Turner.