What is the "Clean Hands" Mandate?

In the District of Columbia, taxpayers can request a "Certificate of Clean Hands" that demonstrates that they are in compliance with their District financial obligations. The District's Clean Hands mandate requires that individuals and businesses be denied city goods or services (i.e. licenses, permits, grants, contracts) if there is a debt owed to the District of Columbia of more than $1,000 or if they have not filed required District tax returns.

In order to receive a Certificate of Clean Hands, a taxpayer must:

• not owe more than $1,000 in any fees, fines, taxes, or penalties to OTR unless the debt is included in a valid payment agreement and is compliant with the Department of Employment Services (DOES)
• be fully registered for all required tax types 
• have submitted all required District tax returns

How do I obtain a Certificate of Clean Hands?

You can request a Certificate of Clean Hands online at MyTax.DC.gov. If you have a District tax obligation, a MyTax.DC.gov account is required and the Certificate of Clean Hands can be generated from within your MyTax.DC.gov account. If you do not have a District tax obligation, a manual request can be submitted without logging in, by using the link to "Request a Certificate of Clean Hands" without logging in to MyTax.DC.gov. 

• Please note: We have discontinued the issuance of hard copies or prints for Certificate of Clean Hands at our Walk-in Customer Service Center.

Do I Need a Taxpayer Identification Number?

If you are not a resident of the District, and you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a US taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, an SSN. If you are in need of an ITIN, please visit the IRS website. If you are not eligible for an ITIN, you will need to use a registered agent.

Resources:

• Request a new Certificate of Clean Hands, or check the status of an existing Certificate of Clean Hands on MyTax.DC.gov
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Certificate of Clean Hands MyTax Tutorial (Businesses and DC Residents)
• Certificate of Clean Hands MyTax Tutorial (Non-Residents)
• Clean Hands Informational Brochure

For additional information, please contact OTR’s Compliance Administration, Collections Division at (202) 724-5045 or email [email protected].

For technical support, contact OTR’s E-Services unit at (202) 759-1946 or email [email protected].