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Maryland Disability Employment Tax Credit - Workforce Development & Adult Learning

What is it?

The Maryland Disability Employment Tax Credit (MDETC) is a Maryland State tax credit that allows employers to claim credit for employees with disabilities hired on or after December 31, 2014.

For each taxable year, for the wages paid to each qualified employee with a disability, a credit is allowed in an amount equal to 30% of up to the first $15,000 [$9,000] of the wages paid to the qualified employee with a disability during each of the first two years of employment.

Also, under MDETC, employers can benefit from a tax credit for work-related childcare or transportation expenses paid by the employer. A credit of up to $900 of the qualified childcare or transportation expenses incurred during the first two years of employment. The MDETC may be claimed concurrently with any available federal tax credits for which the employee may be eligible.

The MDETC does not apply to:

  • Persons hired to replace laid-off employees or individuals on strike; or
  • A business simultaneously receiving federal or State employment training benefits; or
  • A business claiming a State tax credit under the "work not welfare" law for the same individual.

Who may qualify?

The tax credit is targeted to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities who have been certified by the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) or the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) as having met established criteria qualify for the MDETC.

Once the individual is certified, the employer may claim the tax credit for the individual who has been hired.

How do employers obtain the tax credit?

  • Individuals with disabilities seeking employment may present a signed MDETC form to the potential employer.
  • To access the form and instructions go to DORS of Maryland.
  • Upon hiring a person presenting a form the employer will complete the employer's portion of the form and return it to MD Labor within 28 days.
  • If MD Labor determines that the individual is qualified for the tax credit, a Certificate of Eligibility for the MDETC will be returned to the employer.
  • The employer must retain the Certificate to document and justify including the tax credit on its tax return.
  • Presentation of a form does not necessarily mean that an individual meets the qualifications for a particular job. Employers should use their usual screening and hiring methods in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in making hiring decisions.

Note: As a reminder, employers may not ask an applicant if he or she is a person with a disability for tax credit or other purposes.

Where to go for more information
Department of Labor
Lloyd Day
Office of Workforce Development Director
1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 209
Baltimore, MD 21201
Telephone: 410-767-2995
Fax: 410-333-5162