We are hearing many clients say that they are starting to invest in new technology and related employee training - activities that may qualify for the Retraining Tax Credit. Here are several items that your clients need to keep in mind with this tax credit as they plan their training:

• Training development: pre-planning, training development time and related activities are major cost items that may count. This includes some costs of 3rd party vendors, consultants and in-house teams.
• Training location: Formal classroom training is not required. Many companies have leveraged web-based video training to allow employees to train on their own. In addition, in-house teams may travel to vendor locations and return to do internal train-the-trainer sessions for employees.
• Costs that are not eligible for the retraining tax credit include training space and employee-paid training.

Reach out to your clients, help them plan their training needs, and leverage the Retraining Tax Credit!

Now that the Legislature is through for another year, the rest of us can relax a little, and the State can get back to business as usual.  Governor Deal has spent the last month signing bills and cleaning up after the legislators:   

• HB 868 was signed as expected and makes welcome, albeit modest improvements to the Job, Quality Jobs, R&D, and Port Bonus credits.
• The governor signed HB 386 at the annual Georgia Manufacturing Appreciation Week luncheon (click here). This bill eliminates the state sales tax on energy used in manufacturing, mining, and agriculture.
• We heard from statewide economic developers recently that the tax credits have really helped attract new business to Georgia as well as helping to strengthen existing businesses.
• We also know that there are plans to strengthen the business-related tax credits in the 2013 session.  

Based on our discussions with physicians, practice managers, CPAs, consultants, and bankers, things are really picking up for EHR software training (we know this as $$ Retraining Tax Credit potential $$). This includes training in new software and/or upgrades of existing systems. The main driver here is the business justification for reducing costs, increasing profits, and improving patient quality. The Federal Meaningful Use incentive $$ have helped. The folks that have been watching from the sidelines are now jumping in and moving forward with their installations. Reach out to your healthcare clients and see how you can help!