Fill out 8850 (Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request for WOTC) online
Form 8850 is the pre-screening notice and certification request for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Employers use it to determine if a new hire belongs to a targeted group that qualifies for the tax credit.
How to fill out 8850 (Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request for WOTC)
Job applicant completes Page 1
The job applicant fills in their name, SSN, address, and answers questions about their eligibility for targeted group categories (veteran status, SNAP benefits, etc.).
Employer completes Page 2
The employer enters the business name, EIN, address, job applicant information, the date the job was offered, the date the applicant started work, and the starting wage.
Submit to state workforce agency
Mail or fax the completed form to your state workforce agency within 28 calendar days of the new hire start date.
Receive certification and claim credit
After the SWA certifies the employee, use Form 5884 (Work Opportunity Credit) on your business tax return to claim the credit.
About 8850 (Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request for WOTC)
Who needs this form
Employers who want to claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring individuals from targeted groups, such as veterans, SNAP recipients, ex-felons, long-term unemployment recipients, and others specified by the IRS.
Where to submit
Submit to your state workforce agency (SWA) within 28 days of the new hire start date. The SWA certifies whether the employee qualifies for the credit. The employer then claims the credit on their tax return.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not submitting within 28 days of the employee start date (the credit is lost if filed late)
- Having the employee complete the form after the job offer (it must be completed on or before the job offer date)
- Not completing the employer section on the back of the form
- Confusing Form 8850 with Form 5884 (which is used to actually claim the credit on the tax return)
Frequently asked questions
Is this form free to fill out?
Yes. SimplePDF lets you fill out any PDF form for free, directly in your browser. No account required. For team and business features, see our pricing plans.
Do I need to create an account?
No. You can fill out and download the form without creating an account or signing up.
Is my data secure?
SimplePDF is not a covered entity under HIPAA. Documents are processed entirely in the user's browser and never transit via SimplePDF's servers, on any plan. Read our privacy policy for more details.
Is this legal, tax, or immigration advice?
No. SimplePDF provides form-filling tools and general informational content, not professional advice. Verify requirements with official instructions or a qualified professional.
Can I share a direct link to this form?
Yes! You can create a direct link to any PDF by prefixing its URL with simplepdf.com/. For example: simplepdf.com/https://example.com/form.pdf. Anyone who opens the link can fill out the form immediately in their browser. You can also embed the editor in your own website.
How much is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit worth?
The credit is generally 40% of the first $6,000 of qualified wages paid to a certified employee (up to $2,400 per employee). For qualified veterans, the credit can be up to $9,600 depending on the category. The exact amount varies by targeted group and the number of hours worked.
SimplePDF provides a tool to fill out PDF forms. We are not affiliated with any government agency or form issuer. It is your responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of any information entered. SimplePDF is not liable for errors, omissions, or consequences resulting from the use of filled-out forms.