How to apply for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

To apply online, you need a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account and a WOTC account. See instructions below.

In Washington state, the Employment Security Department is responsible for processing WOTC applications. We determine the eligibility of every hired individual and complete all certifications within federal guidelines.

Application deadlines
Applications must be submitted through our online filing system within 28 days of the job applicant’s start date (not hire date). Read more about application deadlines.

To apply:

Applicant completes and signs the Pre-screening Notice and Certification Request (IRS Form 8850) | Instructions
Employer representative (if employer uses a representative to submit applications) completes the ETA Form 9198 Employer Representative Declaration. This is important! As of June 1, 2024, employer representatives will need the new 9198 form on file with us to enter any applications.
Employer or employer representative completes the Individual Characteristics form (ETA Form 9061). Find instructions at bottom of form.
Keep paper copies of the 8850 and 9061 for your records.
Note: Only English forms may be submitted. Spanish language forms are intended only as aids to Spanish speakers.
Submit application through the online filing system.
- Create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account by signing in to eServices, Employment Security's site for employers and individuals to complete tax and unemployment related tasks. (You might already have a SAW account to pay your unemployment taxes or LNI premium.)
- From eServices, navigate to the WOTC sign-in page. Select New employer or New representative to create a WOTC account. Your username and password need to match your SAW username and password.
- You will need a code to add Work Opportunity Tax Credit as a service in eServices. If you need a code, call 800-669-9271.
- Read this user guide for more help.

Submitting supporting documents

For any of the categories involving veterans, you must submit within 90 days of application date:

The job applicant’s DD214, or
Department of Defense Single Record Requests forms that provide active duty start and end dates, or
National Personnel Records Center letters showing branch of military and active duty dates, or
Letters from the military branch the veteran served.

For a veteran who is disabled, you must also submit within 30 days of application date:

Veterans Administration Disability Letter

Keep in mind

Employment Security cannot process your application if you don’t submit required documents 90 days from the date you submit the application. However, we will reopen the application for review once we receive the documents, even after the deadline.
You must submit the required documents using the online application system, email or mail.
For categories of employees other than veterans, submitting supporting documents isn’t required, but may speed up the application process. For examples of supporting documents, see the bottom of the Individual Characteristics form (ETA Form 9061).

Helpful information for veterans

Veterans who need a copy of their DD Form 214 or other military records can request them online through the National Archives and Records Administration, or by mail with a Standard Form SF-180.
Veterans who need a copy of their VA Disability Letter can request it online through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or by calling 800-827-1000.

Filing appeals

If we deny your application and you disagree with our decision, you may file an appeal.

You can file an appeal by email or mail.