Wyoming workers’ compensation premium credits (due to COVID-19)

The state of Wyoming passed legislation that allows customers in “good standing” with tax payments to utilize two workers’ compensation credits.

The two credit amounts are lumped together as a total bulk credit in an employer’s Wyoming workers compensation account. These credits can only be used between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, until the credit is fully used or has expired.

Companies will not be refunded for any credits left unused after the expiration date of June 30, 2021.

How to claim the credit with Gusto

1. If you haven’t received one already, wait for Wyoming’s credit notice to come to your company.
   • Gusto doesn't receive these notices and won't know if your company has an available workers’ compensation credit for Wyoming.
   • If you’re uncertain whether you have a credit, contact the agency directly at (307) 777-6763.
2. Head to the Help section of your Gusto account to contact us—choose the option to report a tax notice.
3. Upload all pages of the notice you received and submit to Gusto.
4. A member of our team will assist with the remaining steps required to apply the credit on upcoming quarterly tax filings.
   • Keep in mind: Gusto will debit your account for the usual tax amounts, and after we’ve paid and filed your quarterly return(s), your company will be refunded the credit amount (by check from the agency) reported on line 13 of the tax return.

If you join Gusto after October 1, 2020, you may have already utilized part of your credit on a previous return. To ensure Gusto has the correct amount of remaining credit, you may also need to send in additional documentation such as previous quarterly Wyoming tax returns.

Learn more about the Wyoming COVID credits below. 

Legislation summary

The first premium credit was passed in the 2020 legislative session under SF0089, and the second “COVID Premium” credit was enacted during an emergency session under SF1002. Each credit amounts to 8.33% of a qualifying company’s 2019 Wyoming workers’ compensation tax liability. 

The two credit amounts are lumped together as a total bulk credit of 16.66% of the total 2019 workers’ compensation premium(s).

Eligibility

The Workers’ Compensation Division of Wyoming’s Department of Workforce Services determines which companies are eligible for the credits and has sent informational notices to customers listing the available credit amount.

The credit is only available to companies who paid 2019 workers’ compensation tax premiums to Wyoming.

Calculation

The total Credit Calculation (Premium + Covid Credit Amount) = 0 .1666 x 2019 WY WC tax premium.

• The agency will list each credit individually at 8.33% on the notice.

FAQs

Q: Can I get a refund for the credit instead?

A: No– the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS)  stated they will not issue the credit money as a refundable amount. Credits must be used to offset your quarterly WY workers’ compensation tax amount in Q3 2020, Q4 2020, Q1 2021, or Q2 2021.

Q: What if I don’t send my notice in?

A: As Gusto won’t know that you have credit amounts, we’ll debit and pay your workers’ compensation to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services in full, and we won’t report the credit on Line 13 of your quarterly returns. If Gusto is unable to report the credit amount, you’re unable to benefit from the credits.