Under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (HIRE Act), employers who hire certain unemployed workers are allowed not to pay certain employment taxes. Exempt wages are those paid “with respect to employment during the period beginning [March 19, 2010] and ending on December 31, 2010.” The “with respect to employment” phrase seems to indicate that employers will be able to claim exemption for wages paid at any time as long as the employment period for which the wages were earned is before January 1, 2011. Therefore, wages paid during 2011 may also qualify if paid “with respect to employment” during 2010. Contact Vision Payroll if you have further questions on the HIRE Act.