Two organizations will present a seminar Thursday to educate small-business owners on the federal health care tax credit.
The new credit is worth up to 35 percent of the premium costs of a qualifying small business in 2010. The credit increases to 50 percent to 50 percent Jan. 1.
The Salt Lake Chamber and SelectHealth will offer the seminar at the Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel, 150 West 500 South beginning at 8 a.m. Cost is $20 per person. Register at www.saltlakechamber.org or at the door.
“The government is using both a carrot and a stick to get businesses to provide health coverage — and small businesses get the carrot,” Greg Matis, senior legal counsel for insurance company SelectHealth and Intermountain Healthcare, said in a statement.
The seminar is aimed at owners of businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees. Chamber membership is not required.
“We understand there are a lot of businesses that need this information,” Chamber spokesman Marty Carpenter said.
Those attending will hear an overview of the new health-care law from Matis, as well as instruction on how to qualify and how health-care reform can benefit their companies.
Beginning in April, the Internal Revenue Service began contacting small businesses to alert them to the tax credit and to outline eligibility rules.
Qualifying employers must:
— Pay at least 50 percent of the cost of health care coverage for its employees.
— Have fewer than the equivalent of 25 full-time employees. In other words, a business that employs 50 half-time employees could be eligible.
— Pay wages of less than $50,000 a year.
The new vision for Salt Lake City encompasses ideas large and small, bold and restrained - for shaping downtown's future. 