(1) Application for tax credits under this chapter must be submitted to the department before making a contribution to a program or the main street trust fund. The application must be made to the department in a form and manner prescribed by the department. The application must contain information regarding the proposed amount of contribution to a program or the main street trust fund, and other information required by the department to determine eligibility under this chapter. The department must rule on the application within forty-five days. Except as provided in RCW 82.73.030(5), applications must be approved on a first-come basis.
(2) The department may not accept any applications before the second Monday in January of each calendar year.