11/13/2017 Why You Should Consider Hiring Ex-Convicts | QuickBooks

Why You Should Consider Hiring Ex-Convicts

by Kathryn Hawkins
2 min read

When you’re looking for a new employee, a criminal record is usually a huge red flag. But does it really
have to be? People who’ve been to prison have paid for their crime, and are usually grateful and
willing to work hard for a second chance. Hiring an ex-con can be a risk, but here are some reasons to
think about taking that risk.

They’re hungry for work. Most employers refuse to take a chance on former felons: A 2003 study of
businesses in four major cities found that only 12.5 percent of employers were willing to accept
applications from ex-convicts. Because such individuals know their options are limited, they’re
typically willing to work hard to prove themselves, starting at the bottom. Many have even
participated in training programs in prison that could give them special qualifications for a job at
your company.

Helping them will help your community. As many as 50 percent of former convicts are
unemployed. If they’re unable to obtain legitimate paying work, they’re far more likely to return to a
life of crime. Taking a chance on someone with a criminal record can help ensure that he stays on
the straight and narrow, and may help him to influence his friends and family members to remain
on a positive path.

You could be eligible for tax breaks. Depending on your state, you could be eligible for up to
$9,000 in tax credits for hiring a formerly convicted employee who meets the criteria of the Work
Opportunity Tax Credit program. The U.S. government offers other incentives specifically for
employers who hire ex-convicts, such as the Job Training Partnership Act, which may reimburse
training wages; and the Prisoner Reentry Initiative, which provides grants to organizations that help
ex-offenders transition into jobs. Numerous states offer additional incentives for employers willing
to give ex-convicts a second chance: Check out the Reentry Resource Map for details on what’s
available in your state.

Ex-offenders whose crimes are long in the past pose no greater risk than people in the general
population. According to a study funded by the Justice Department, researchers at Carnegie
Mellon University found that the “hazard rate” for a first-time arrestee for robbery was the same as
someone who’d never been convicted after seven-and-a-half years. For someone arrested for
aggravated assault, the risk to employers disappeared after four years with no subsequent criminal
activity. The research illustrates that many ex-offenders are fully capable of redeeming themselves
for foolish acts in their youth, and are deserving of employment opportunities.

When it comes to hiring a former convict, it never hurts to be cautious. You’ll want to closely monitor
your new hire, and ensure that your employee isn’t working in an area of the company where his
criminal past could come into play: For instance, if a new employee was jailed for money laundering,
you probably don’t want him working in your finance department. However, if you’re willing to take a
chance on someone with a checkered past, you could give someone the necessary tools to turn his life
around — and score some great tax breaks at the same time to go with the karma.

 
Information may be abridged and therefore incomplete. This document/information does not constitute, and should not be
considered a substitute for, legal or financial advice. Each financial situation is different, the advice provided is intended to be
general. Please contact your financial or legal advisors for information specific to your situation.

Related Articles

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/employees/why-you-should-consider-hiring-ex-convicts/ 1/2
11/13/2017 Why You Should Consider Hiring Ex-Convicts | QuickBooks

106 Business Tools for Freelancers, Consultants and Side Hustlers

For freelancers, productivity is an asset. The more efficient you are, the…
Read more
39 min read

100 Best Business Blogs You Need to be Reading (and Taking Lessons From)

There are many business blogs on the Internet. Some of the most…
Read more
40 min read

Your Financing Options

Current financing options are broken into three categories: Small Business or High-Growth…
Read more
18 min read

https://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/employees/why-you-should-consider-hiring-ex-convicts/ 2/2