(a) For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021, a taxpayer who is a qualified employer subject to the tax imposed under the provisions of the Kansas income tax act shall be allowed a credit against the tax for tuition reimbursed to a qualified employee.

(b) The credit may be claimed only if the qualified employee has been awarded an undergraduate or graduate degree, or technical degree or certificate from a qualified program within one year prior to or following the commencement of employment with a qualified employer and may be claimed each year thereafter that the qualified employee remains employed up to the fourth year of employment.

(c) The credit shall be in an amount equal to 50% of the tuition reimbursed during the taxable year for which the credit is claimed to a qualified employee, except that in no event shall the credit exceed 50% of the average annual amount paid by a qualified employee for enrollment and instruction in a qualified program, as determined by the secretary of revenue.

(d) The credit shall be applied against the taxpayer’s income tax liability after all other credits allowed under the income tax act. The credit shall not be refundable and may not be carried forward.