For tax years ending on or after December 31, 2012, and on or
before December 31, 2016, the Veterans Jobs Credit is
- 10 percent, but not to exceed $1,200, of qualified wages paid during the taxable year to an
employee who is a “qualified veteran”; or
- 20 percent, but not to exceed $5,000, of qualified wages paid during the taxable year to an
employee who is a “qualified unemployed veteran”.
For any given tax year, if an employee meets the requirements of both a "qualified veteran" and a "qualified unemployed veteran", you may only claim a credit for one or the other but not both.
A "qualified veteran" means an Illinois resident who
- was a member of the Armed Forces of the United States (including any reserve component) or of the Illinois National Guard,
- served on active duty in connection with Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom,
- has provided you with documentation showing that he or she was honorably discharged,
- was initially hired by you on or after January 1, 2007, and
- was employed by you at least 185 days during the tax year.
A "qualified unemployed veteran" means an Illinois resident who
- was a member of the Armed Forces of the United States (including any reserve component) or of the Illinois National Guard,
- served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001,
- has provided you with documentation showing that he or she was honorably discharged,
- was initially hired by you on or after June 1, 2012,
- was unemployed for a total of 4 weeks or more during the six week
period ending on the Saturday immediately preceding the date he
or she was hired by you, and
- was employed by you
- at least 185 days; or
- at least 31 days if that employee was unemployed for a total
of six months or more during the one year period ending on
the date he or she was hired.
NOTE: “Qualified wages” means gross wages paid to a “qualified veteran” or a “qualified unemployed veteran” in the course of that veteran’s
sustained employment.
NOTE: An employee qualifies as unemployed for a week if he or
she has received unemployment benefits for the week, or has not
been employed since being honorably discharged.
