Does Your Nonprofit Qualify for the Small Business Health Insurance Tax Credit?

Even if your tax-exempt organization does not owe any income taxes, it may benefit from the small business health insurance tax credit included in the new health care law.  When your nonprofit files its tax return in 2011, it may be eligible for a refundable credit against payroll taxes or income taxes withheld between January 1 and December 31, 2010.    

To find out whether your organization qualifies, start here:

If you answered YES to all three questions, your organization may be eligible for the small business health care tax credit.  For tax year 2010, a qualified nonprofit can claim a refundable credit against the employer and employee shares of Medicare taxes, as well as federal income taxes withheld by the employer on behalf of the employee.  The credit can equal up to 25% of the employer contribution towards its employees’ health insurance.  

Organizations with 10 or fewer employees and an average annual wage of $25,000 or less may qualify for the maximum credit; the credit gradually phases out for organizations with between 10 and 25 full-time employees and average wages between $25,000 and $50,000.

To calculate and claim the credit, complete the new Form 8941 and file it with Form 990-T.  (Form 990-T is currently used to report and pay taxes on unrelated business income, but the draft form for 2010 has been revised to enable eligible tax-exempt organizations – even those that owe no tax on unrelated business income – to claim the credit.  The updated instructions have yet to be released by the IRS.)

For more information about the small business health insurance tax credit – including detailed guidance regarding employer contribution requirements, instructions for Form 8941, and answers to frequently asked questions – visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

Document(s):

Small Business Tax Credit Flyer