(a) For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021, a taxpayer who becomes a qualified employee during the taxable year shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed under the provisions of the Kansas income tax act in an amount equal to $5,000. The credit shall be deducted from the taxpayer’s income tax liability for the taxable year in which the taxpayer is or has been a qualified employee and may be claimed each year the taxpayer achieves the status of a qualified employee for the four taxable years succeeding the taxable year in which the credit was first allowed.

(b) If the amount of the credit allowed a qualified employee is greater than the qualified employee’s income tax liability for the taxable year in which the credit is allowed, the amount of the credit which exceeds the tax liability may be carried over for deduction from the qualified employee’s income tax liability in the next succeeding taxable year or years, except that the tax credit may not be carried over for deduction after the fourth taxable year succeeding the taxable year in which the credit was first allowed.