Bill > HB292

This bill introduces a new income tax credit program for employers who provide living wage jobs in Georgia, defined as full-time positions paying at least $15.00 per hour with no predetermined end date. Employers with five or more employees can apply to the Department of Community Affairs to become certified as a "living wage employer," which allows them to claim a $3,500 tax credit for each new employee hired and retained in a living wage job for one continuous year. To maintain certification, employers must use the federal E-Verify system, continuously employ at least three workers in living wage jobs, and ensure all employees are paid at least $15.00 per hour. The tax credit can be carried forward for up to three years if not fully used in a single tax year, but cannot be applied to prior years' tax liabilities. Employers who fail to meet the certification requirements may be suspended from the program for one to five years. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, with the goal of encouraging employers to provide higher-paying jobs and supporting workers' economic stability.

Budget and Finance

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69960