Workforce Training Express Fund - Massachusetts Society of CPAs

Your CPE Could be FREE!

Your upcoming CPE with MassCPAs could be FREE, thanks to the state’s Workforce Training Express Fund, which provides resources to Massachusetts businesses to fund training for employees.

On October 29, 2024, it was announced that as of November 1, 2024, only firms/companies with fewer than 100 staff are now able to take advantage of the reimbursement. Firms/companies with fewer than 50 staff can be reimbursed up to 100% of the cost of training and firms/companies with 50-100 employees can be reimbursed up to 50% of the cost of training. The total reimbursement amount has decreased from $20,000 to $15,000 per calendar year.

MassCPAs is a recognized training provider, so all seminars, conferences and Customized Team Trainings qualify for reimbursement (webinars and on-demand content do not qualify). Visit our website to browse the full list of offerings, or contact Tyler Dion at tdion@masscpas.org with any questions.

For more information, contact Julia Ekelund at jekelund@masscpas.org. To learn more about the Workforce Training application process, click here.

IMPORTANT:

To receive your reimbursement, you'll need to complete an application and meet eligibility requirements. Learn more here.

Applications for reimbursement must be received three weeks prior to the seminar or conference. Register early to ensure you will be reimbursed!

FAQs

1. What MassCPAs programs qualify for the reimbursement?

All MassCPAs seminars and conferences qualify, whether they are in-person or virtual. Once a program is approved by Workforce Training, it is given an ID number, and we display the ID number at the top of every registration page for easy reference.

2. I want to get started. What is the first step?

Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the DOR. You can start that process by clicking here.

You will need to submit the certificate along with the application. It can take some time to obtain the certificate, so starting the process early is a good first step. Applications must be received three weeks prior to the seminar or conference.

3. I just saw a class next week that I'd like to attend, is it possible to get reimbursed?

No, you must submit the application to Workforce Training at least 3 weeks before the course is set to start to be considered for the reimbursement. It’s important to plan ahead!

4. How does this program work?

This program is funded by employers' payment to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund ($8.40 per employee per year is collected). The money is placed in a Trust Fund that is given out on a rolling application basis, and at any given time there is between $18-21 million available for distribution back to employers through several different grant programs.

5. What kinds of grants are there?

There are several categories of grants available to employers: Hiring Incentive Grants, General Program, Consortium Grants, and the Express Program. The Society has completed the application process and is participating in the Express Fund, which provides up to 100% reimbursement for the cost of training for qualified employers.

6. I was hoping to bring in an instructor for a firm-wide ethics program, will it qualify?

Yes! MassCPAs can set up a customized training program for your firm and get it approved by Workforce Training. Firms have done programs in ethics, leadership and DEI.

7. Can you tell me if they will also allow K-1 partners of firms to request reimbursement? Right now, only W-2 payroll employees are able to participate.

All trainees must be full-time or part-time payroll employees to qualify.

8. Do all companies qualify?

No, you must have fewer than 100 MA employees and the employer must be contributing to the unemployment fund.

9. If my company has over 100 employees, do I have any options?

Yes, you are encouraged to apply for the General Fund.

10. Is there a cap on the amount my company can be reimbursed?

Yes, if you have fewer than 100 MA employees, you are able to be reimbursed for $15,000 per calendar year.