WOTC Form 8850 and ETA Form 9061 Guide
WOTC Form 8850 and ETA Form 9061 Guide
WOTC Plus helps employers organize Work Opportunity Tax Credit forms, Form 8850 workflows, ETA Form 9061 documentation, certification tracking, and reporting from start to finish.
- Form 8850 workflow support
- ETA Form 9061 documentation support
- WOTC 28-day deadline awareness
- State Workforce Agency certification tracking
- Organized reporting for tax and payroll teams
What Is WOTC Form 8850?
WOTC Form 8850, also known as IRS Form 8850, is the pre-screening notice and certification request form used in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit process. Employers use Form 8850 to help determine whether a new hire may belong to a WOTC target group and to request certification from the appropriate State Workforce Agency. For employers, Form 8850 is one of the most important parts of the WOTC process because it connects the new-hire screening step with the certification workflow. WOTC Plus helps employers keep Form 8850 workflows organized so screening, documentation, certification tracking, and reporting are easier to manage.
What Is ETA Form 9061?
ETA Form 9061 is the Individual Characteristics Form used as part of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit certification process. It provides additional information about the new hire’s potential eligibility under WOTC target groups.
In many WOTC workflows, ETA Form 9061 is submitted with IRS Form 8850 to the State Workforce Agency. If the worker already has conditional certification, ETA Form 9062 may be used instead.
WOTC Plus helps employers manage the documentation workflow around Form 8850, ETA Form 9061, certification tracking, and reporting so the process stays more organized.
What Is the WOTC 28-Day Deadline?
The WOTC process is time-sensitive. Employers generally need to submit the required WOTC certification request to the appropriate State Workforce Agency within 28 calendar days after the new hire’s start date.
This is why it is important for employers to screen new hires early and keep documentation organized. When WOTC screening is delayed or handled manually, employers may miss important timing requirements.
WOTC Plus helps employers build WOTC screening and Form 8850 workflows into a more organized process so the required steps are easier to track.
How WOTC Certification Tracking Works
After WOTC forms are submitted to the State Workforce Agency, the certification request must be reviewed. Employers need a way to track whether applications are pending, certified, denied, or require more information.
A strong WOTC process should help employers track:
- New hires screened
- Forms completed
- Certification requests submitted
- Pending applications
- Certified employees
- Denials or requests for more information
- Reporting needed for tax review
WOTC Plus helps employers organize certification tracking and reporting so HR, payroll, finance, and tax teams can work from clearer information.
How WOTC Plus Helps Employers Stay Organized
WOTC Plus is designed to help employers manage the Work Opportunity Tax Credit process from screening to reporting. Instead of relying on manual forms, scattered spreadsheets, or disconnected follow-up, employers can use a more structured workflow.
WOTC Plus supports:
- Automated WOTC screening
- Form 8850 workflow support
- ETA Form 9061 documentation support
- Certification tracking
- Batch filing and submission workflow support
- Payroll and hiring workflow coordination
- Organized WOTC reporting
- Hands-on support throughout the process
This gives employers a cleaner way to manage WOTC documentation and stay organized from new-hire screening through tax-credit reporting support.
2026 WOTC Status Note
Federal authorization for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit expired on December 31, 2025. Some State Workforce Agencies are continuing to accept and retain WOTC applications for 2026 start dates pending possible federal reauthorization. Employers should continue following applicable screening and submission timelines and should consult their tax advisor regarding claim eligibility, filing strategy, and the impact of any future federal reauthorization.
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Need Help Managing WOTC Forms and Certification Tracking?
WOTC Plus helps employers simplify Work Opportunity Tax Credit screening, Form 8850 workflows, ETA Form 9061 documentation, certification tracking, reporting, and hands-on support.
Form 8850 and ETA Form 9061 FAQs
WOTC Form 8850 is the IRS pre-screening notice and certification request form used in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit process.
ETA Form 9061 is the Individual Characteristics Form used to provide additional eligibility information for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit certification process.
Yes. Form 8850 and ETA Form 9061 are commonly used together in the WOTC certification request process. ETA Form 9062 may be used instead when the worker has conditional certification.
The WOTC 28-day deadline generally refers to the requirement to submit the certification request to the appropriate State Workforce Agency within 28 calendar days after the new hire’s start date.
WOTC Plus helps employers organize WOTC screening, Form 8850 workflows, ETA Form 9061 documentation, certification tracking, and reporting.