DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 680 Original 2021 Regular Session Hughes
Abstract: Establishes the La. Youth Jobs Tax Credit Program
Proposed law establishes a tax credit for employers who employ one or more "eligible youth".
Defines "eligible youth" as a person who meets all of the following criteria:
(1)Is between the ages of 16 and 24.
(2)Is unemployed prior to being hired by a business applying for the credit provided pursuant
to proposed law.
(3)Will be working in a full-time or part-time position that pays wages equivalent to wages paid
for similar jobs. Defines "full-time position" as one in which a person works at least 32
hours per week; defines "part-time position" as one in which a person works at least 20 hours
per week.
(4)Meets at least one of certain other criteria provided in proposed law that includes, but is not
limited to: is homeless, is a veteran, is a member of a family that is receiving benefits
through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or is currently or was in foster care.
Within 60 days of being hired, proposed law requires an eligible youth to provide to the hiring
business proof of age and of meeting eligibility criteria provided in proposed law. Requires the
hiring business to submit or maintain proof that each eligible youth meets eligibility criteria, as
required by the secretary of the Dept. of Revenue.
Tax Credit
Proposed law provides that the credit applies for taxable years beginning after July 1, 2021, and that
any credit provided pursuant to proposed law shall be non-refundable. Requires the credit to be
taken against La. income tax or corporate franchise tax.
Further provides that credit is earned for each eligible youth who works at least three consecutive
months in a full-time or part-time position at the business. Proposed law provides that the credit
shall equal $1,250 for each qualifying eligible youth in a full-time position and $750 for each
qualifying eligible youth in a part-time position.
Proposed law caps the maximum amount of tax credits that may be granted in a given year at $7.5 million. Requires the Dept. of Revenue to promulgate rules providing for allocation of available tax
credits. Further provides that if all credits are not granted in any calendar year, the unused portion
will carry forward to subsequent calendar years and may be awarded without regard to the $7.5
million cap otherwise provided in proposed law.
Proposed law provides that if the tax credit earned for the taxable period exceeds the amount of taxes
due, then the taxpayer may carry forward as a credit the unused portion for up to five years.
Requires all entities taxed as corporations to claim the credit authorized pursuant to proposed law
on their corporation income and franchise tax return. Individuals, estates, and trusts are required to
claim the credit on their income tax returns. Further outlines requirements for claiming the credit
by business entities that are not taxed as corporations.
Provides that if a credit is later disallowed, the Dept. of Revenue may initiate a collection action
against the taxpayer. Requires any such action to be initiated within three years from the end of the
calendar year in which the credit was granted. Limits the interest rate that may be assessed on such
collections to a rate equal to the rate of judicial interest provided in present law plus three percentage
points.
Authorizes the Dept. of Revenue to promulgate rules in accordance with the Administrative
Procedure Act to execute proposed law.
Further prohibits a taxpayer from receiving any other incentive for the job creation or hiring of an
eligible youth for which the taxpayer has received a credit pursuant to proposed law.
Proposed law provides that no credit shall be granted after Dec. 31, 2025.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 47:6028)