WOTC Program Update
Federal authorization for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) expired on December 31, 2025. Employers should continue submitting WOTC applications within required timeframes. Applications with start dates of January 1, 2026, and after will be accepted and retained pending federal reauthorization.
What is the WOTC?
The WOTC has two main goals:
- Help employers hire people who are part of target groups.
- Give employers a federal tax credit of up to $9,600 for hiring these individuals.
How to Apply for WOTC
You can use the online service called eWOTC to apply for WOTC Request for Certification applications and view your application status. Using eWOTC makes it faster to get your new application processed.
If your company has 25 or more employees, you need to sign up for Employer Services Online before you can apply online. If you’re already signed up, just login to eWOTC.
If your company has 24 employees or fewer, you can also apply online with eWOTC, or you can send your application by mail to:
Employment Development Department
Attn: Work Opportunity Tax Credit Authorization Center
2901 50th Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
Note: Mailed applications take longer to process.
If the WOTC Center asks for more information, submit supporting documentation at that time.
Apply Using eWOTC
eWOTC is an online tool where you can:
- Submit WOTC applications.
- View and manage the applications you’ve already submitted.
How to Use eWOTC:
- Sign up for Employer Services Online: Go to the Employer Services Online page to create a username and password.
- Log in to eWOTC: Use your username and password to log in.
- Submit an application: You can submit one or more applications under the Manage Applications section.
Need Help? For technical support, contact the WOTC Customer Service Team.
Submit Supporting Documentation
Please submit documents only if you have received a Request for Additional Information (RAI) from the WOTC Center. You can submit documentation in three ways:
-
RightFax
RightFax is the preferred and safest way to send requested documents. It complies with regulations such as HIPAA, ARRA, Gramm-Leach Bliley, Basel II, and SOX.
How to Use RightFax
1. Always include a coversheet from the WOTC Center for proper matching. To request a Supporting Documentation Coversheet, contact the WOTC Center at 1-866-593-0173 or WOTCsupport@edd.ca.gov.
2. Attach a copy of the original RAI letter with your requested documents.
For help, you can call RightFax at 1-916-449-2171.
Important: Do not fax Disability Insurance or Paid Family Leave documents to this number.
-
Email or Mail
Sumbit by Email
For emails related to specific cases, include the following in the subject line:
- Application ID
- FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)
- Employee’s last name
Important Security Reminder: Do not send confidential information (like account numbers, passwords, or Social Security numbers) in emails through third-party services (e.g., Yahoo, Gmail, Outlook).
Submit by Mail
If you prefer to send documents by mail, use the following address:
Employment Development Department
Attn: WOTC Center
2901 50th Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
Federal Forms and Information
Download the following forms to use for qualifying for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. You may need Adobe Reader open and print these forms. Acrobat Reader is free to download.
- Individual Characteristics Form (ETA 9061) (PDF)
- Individual Characteristics Form — Spanish (ETA 9061) (PDF) — to be used for reference only
- Conditional Certification Form (ETA 9062) (PDF)
- Long-Term Unemployment Recipient Self-Attestation Form (ETA 9175) (PDF)
- Employer Representative Declaration Form (ETA 9198) (PDF)
- Pre–Screening Notice and Certification Request for the Work Opportunity Credit (IRS Form 8850)
- Instructions for Form 8850 (IRS Form 8850 Instructions)
- Work Opportunity Credit (IRS Form 5884) (PDF) — Use this form to report Work Opportunity Tax Credit on your tax return
Contact Us
WOTC representatives can help you by phone, fax, mail, email, or online. For more details, visit the Contact WOTC page.
More Information