As of January 1, 2014, what percentage of premiums paid by an employer may qualify for a tax credit if they have up to 25 FTEs with average annual wages below $50,000?

The correct answer is based on the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, which established guidelines for tax credits aimed at small businesses providing health insurance to their employees. Specifically, employers with up to 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees that pay average annual wages of less than $50,000 can receive a tax credit of up to 50% of the premiums they pay for employee health insurance.

This tax credit was designed to incentivize small employers to offer health insurance coverage, making it more financially accessible while promoting healthcare coverage among employees. The maximum percentage of 50% became effective for tax years starting in 2014, which is why it applies to the scenario presented in the question.

In context, while the other percentages listed may represent various forms of tax credits or incentives, the specific tax credit available to small employers under the Affordable Care Act for the criteria given is clearly set at 50%. This figure is critical for understanding the tax benefits available to small businesses aiming to support their employees' health insurance needs.