Catching up with the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, which was signed by President Obama in November of last year, the Internal Revenue Service has issued an updated Form 8850 and some very important guidance.

Links for your convenience:  The new IRS Form 8850.  IRS 8850 Instructions.  IRS Notice 2012-13

Disconnected Youth: Although not unexpected, I should note that in preparing the updated IRS 8850 Pre-screening Notice, the IRS has removed the questions related to qualifying Disconnected Youth.  This category expired on December 31, 2010. 

We’ve been clinging to the hope that it would be added-back with the extension of WOTC.  I personally have not given up on that hope.  Also, if I am not mistaken, the Department of Labor’s current instructions to State Workforce Agencies still requires them to reserve disconnected youth applications on file pending future instructions.

Notice 2012-13: Notice 2012-13 provides guidance on a number of important issues and should not be overlooked.  I suggest a thorough reading.  Major topics covered include:

• Background of the new veterans categories
• Transition relief (a grace period extending the 28-day submission deadline for IRS 8850 for qualified veterans hired between November 22, 2011 and May 22, 2012)
• The use of electronic signatures for IRS 8850
• Signing or filing IRS 8850 by FAX transmission
• Guidance for tax-exempt organizations claiming WOTC

Request for Comments: In addition to the guidance provided by the IRS on these topics, the IRS is also requesting comments about (1) alternative methods for certification of qualified veterans and (2)alternative methods of filing Form 8850.

In summary, with this notice the IRS has given us a lot to think about and a lot of work to do.