Frequently Asked Questions

F.A.Q. Quick Links

Q: Who are We?
A: MARS STOUT is a service provider with over 25 years of experience in capturing all Federal, State and local hiring related tax credits with unparalleled accuracy, integrity and efficiency MARS STOUT provides unique tax automation technology and comprehensive services, enabling companies to maximize tax credits. This reduces tax liability, assures cost effectiveness and saves businesses time and money.



Q: Why use MARS STOUT?
A: We believe that Excellent Customer Service, combined with innovative technology, is the key characteristic to our customer-focused approach. We provide a streamlined and effective tax credit retrieval program to maximize the bottom line.

We DELIVER what we PROMISE.



Q: How much does our service cost?
A: With MARS STOUT, there are no set up fees, developmental fees, on-going research fees, or management fees charged for our service. The entire cost is based on our stated performance agreement. We receive payment based on the tax credits you receive.



Q: What type of credits does MARS STOUT track?
A: Federal, state and local tax incentives encourage employers to hire certain qualified individuals and provide employer opportunities based on growth and new development.



Q: Who qualifies for the WOTC and WTW tax credits?
A: Target groups that may qualify for federal hiring related tax credits.
  1. Designated Community Residents between the ages of 18-39 who reside in a Federal Empowerment Zone, Renewal Community or Rural Renewal County.
  2. 18-39 year old Food Stamp recipients 
  3. Recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  4. Recipients of Vocational Rehabilitation
  5. Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  6. Veterans who are members of families receiving food stamps or veterans entitled to compensation for a service related disability 
  7. Ex-felons 
  8. Summer youth employees between the ages of 16-18 who reside in a Federal Empowerment Zone or Renewal Community
  9. Hurricane Katrina Employee
  10. Unemployed Veteran.
  11. Disconnected Youth between the ages of 16 and 24 years old.

 





Q: Can our screening options be used with any new hire process?
A: At MARS STOUT, we can meet the needs of all your sites. Our Tax Credit Retrieval System TCRS can even be used at a location without Internet access. Forms requiring the signature of qualified new hires are prepopulated and can be printed at vaious times in the new hire process.



Q: What does the process look like?
A: In an effort to continue providing service levels that meet or exceed the ever-changing needs and environments of our clients, MARS STOUT offers a variety of tax credit screening options.  We provide flexibility to meet the needs of any client's hiring system.  8850 Form data is sent electronically to all State Workforce Agencies accepting electronic transfers.  We provide on-going feedback and assistance to maintain and achieve program goals which significantly accelerates the certification process.  The bulk of the responsibilities for the tax credit programs are completed by MARS STOUT minimizing the burden on your HR managers.



Q: How much time does it take to complete the screening process?
A: The applicant answers, on an average 12-15 questions, which vary depending on general applicant characteristics, home address, and work location. Depending on the response to the questions it takes about 2-3 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

MARS STOUT, through our sophisticated software (TCRS), screens for a number of other credits that do not require responses from the applicant. These credits are determined by reviewing information based on your locations and employment patterns.



Q: Who benefits from hiring-related tax credits?
A: Both employers and job applicants benefit from various types of tax credits. MARS STOUT identifies credits that assist employers by reducing their tax liability. Job applicants benefit by securing jobs where employers are motivated to invest the time to train and retain new employees.



Q: How Do I Use The Online T.C.R.S.
A: We encourage you to read our Web Based T.C.R.S. Reports Documentation and Manual. This document is designed to assist the "user" of our online web based WOTC reports. The "user" is defined as the person that has agreed to the online agreement and is authorized to use the T.C.R.S Online Reports. If a "user" does not have a username and password they should contact client services at 1-800-451-6277. This document will explain the login process and each element of the Online Reports once the user has logged in. [ Click To View ] Just click the back button to return back here.



Q: How does MARS STOUT ensure data security?
A: Data is only available to those with authorized access.  All data resides on a dedicated data base server.  Its only connection to the proxy server is through a secure gateway.  This way, all incoming Internet requests for data must go through the proxy server, Secure Socket Layer (SSL), and the custom secure gateway.

We use thawte SSL Certificates to offer secure communications by encrypting all data to and from the site. Our company's registration documents and its registered domain name have been audited and accepted by thawte's authorized personnel.





Q: What makes our service superior?
A: Combined with innovative technology, the key characteristic to our customer-focused approach as a service provider partner, we pride ourselves in flexibility in handling custom requests from our clients. The fact we develop and maintain our own custom applications instead of using canned or third party software gives us the ability to quickly respond to our clients' needs, we are not dependent on outside vendors for a solution, should a problem arise.

MARS STOUT captures ALL Federal, state and local hiring-related tax credits through automated or telephone-based tax credit screening systems, thus ensuring maximum financial benefit for your company.



Q: Who qualifies for the WOTC/Hurricane Credit?
A: Use the following guidelines for determining eligibility for the WOTC/Hurricane Credit
  1. Any individual who on August 28, 2005 had a principal place of abode/residence in the disaster area, and is hired at a business which is located in the disaster area. This credit is available for the next two years.
  2. Any individual who on August 28, 2005 had a principal place of abode/residence in the disaster area, who is displaced from their residence by Hurricane Katrina, and is hired during the period beginning on August 28, 2005 to December 31, 2005.
  3. Retention Credit available to business that retained employees who were on the payroll as of the date of the hurricane. The business must be in the disaster area and have been inoperable for at least one day during the period of August 28, 2005 and December 31, 2005. The employee must have lived in the disaster area on August 28, 2005. Only wages paid during the time the business was inoperable and before January 1, 2006 are eligible.




Q: Will there be additional incentives to businesses rebuilding or expanding in the hurricane-affected area?
A: After Hurricane Katrina President Bush proposed a Gulf Opportunity Zone, which will include additional tax incentives to help businesses rebuild and expand in the Gulf region. MARS STOUT will continue to monitor any new incentives available to businesses and will update this information as it becomes available.



Q: My business was affected by Hurricane Katrina. Whom can I contact to take advantage of these incentives to help put employees back to work while rebuilding my business?
A: Call us at 800-451-6277 or contact us here.



Q: When did MARS STOUT begin screening for the new Hurricane Katrina/WOTC target group?
A: Immediately following passage of the Katrina Emergency Relief Act by Congress on September 21, 2005.