New tax credits are available for employers who help their employees earn their GEDs.

Designed to encourage employers to help their employees obtain their GEDs, the new initiative offers significant tax credits to the business.

Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville), a longstanding supporter of adult education and technical colleges, worked with the Technical College System of Georgia and the Department of Revenue in authoring the legislation that created the tax credits.

"Now the real work begins, which is promoting this to the business community and insuring they're aware of it and take advantage of this opportunity to help the employees obtain a GED while at the same time being able to get some credits from the state of Georgia," he said.

Employers can earn tax credits of up to $100,000 per year for supporting employees in their achievement of a GED.

Several area business owners have already expressed interest in the program.

"I've already met with major business owners who have an interest in participating," Tanner said. "We anticipate this will be a very successful program moving forward and that many other individuals will be able to get a GED as a result of this legislation."

The Technical College System of Georgia also plans to work with businesses across the state to promote participation and success of employee GED attainment.

"Nearly 18 percent of Georgia's adult population has less than a high school education," said Commissioner Gretchen Corbin in a statement. "Thanks to this unique opportunity passed by the Georgia General Assembly, we are one step closer to fulfilling Gov. [Nathan] Deal's goal of full literacy in Georgia, while preparing Georgia businesses to compete in a global economy."

Deal signed the legislation during a formal ceremony at Lanier Technical College's Adult Education Center in Lumpkin County earlier this year.

Lanier Tech President Dr. Ray Perren praised Tanner and the state leader's support in creating the program.

"We appreciate the leadership of State Rep. Kevin Tanner who introduced the legislation creating these tax credits," he said. "We are thankful for the support this legislation received from the General Assembly and Gov. Deal."

A tax credit of $1,200 per employee is available to employers if that worker is compensated, at his or her normal rate of pay, for completing a 40-hour class and passing the GED Test.

A second option would award a $400 tax credit when a worker takes and passes a GED Test paid for by that employer.

"We want every adult employee in Georgia to acquire the necessary basic skills to be successful their workplace," said Beverly Smith, TCSG Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education. "In doing so, we make Georgia's businesses stronger, which in turn, makes Georgia stronger."

The technical system's office of adult education can assist employers by answering questions about class types and other class considerations, as well as estimating tax credit benefits.

For more information, call (404) 679-1641.