On April 21, the White House released a statement, saying that employers with fewer than 500 employees will be eligible for a tax credit to offset the cost of COVID-19 vaccine-related paid leave.
During a virtual press conference, President Joe Biden urged employers to provide workers with paid time for workers to get the vaccine and any time it takes to recover from the effects of the vaccination. Some people report a day or more of symptoms following a dose.
“No working American should lose a single dollar from their paycheck because they chose to fulfill their patriotic duty to get vaccinated,” Biden said during the conference.
President Biden signed the paid leave tax credit into law in the American Rescue plan. It ensures that no small businesses or nonprofits will have to lose money by providing leave for workers receiving a vaccination.
How to Claim Your Tax Credit
The tax credit will offset the cost of paid time off for employees getting vaccinated for up to 80 hours (i.e. 10 workdays).
Businesses can receive up to $511 per day of paid sick leave offered between April 1 and Sept. 30, 2021. Additionally, the IRS released a fact sheet on how employers can claim the tax credit.
Eligible employers should report their total paid sick leave wages for each quarter on their federal employment tax return, usually form 941.
Employers can claim credits not only for employers who take time off to get vaccinated or to recover from symptoms — but also employees who are under quarantine or isolation order by the government or a doctor (or caring for someone who is), or have to care for a child whose school or child care provider closed, due to COVID-19.
Paid leave has shown to be an effective tool for reducing the spread of COVID-19. One study showed that the paid leave provisions put in place last year prevented approximately 400 COVID-19 cases per day.
“Providing paid time off for vaccinations is an investment in the safety, productivity and health of an employer’s own workforce and their community,” the statement reads.
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About Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct on-site respirator fit tests, as well as audiometric exams, pulmonary function tests and heavy metal lab work, right on your job site. We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
With Worksite Medical, a mobile medical testing unit — we can bring all the resources of a lab to you. Our certified lab technicians can perform both qualitative and quantitative respirator tests to ensure a perfect fit.
Protect your team and your workplace now with Worksite Medical. Not sure what you need? Try our medical testing wizard here.
Give us a call at 1-844-622-8633, or complete the form below to schedule an on-site visit or to get your free quote.
