Since the tax program launched in 2023, the state has issued over 359,000 tax refunds totally nearly $263.4 million. The program returns a portion of sales tax paid by eligible families within a tax year and was created to help reduce poverty in Washington. Last year about $136 million refunds were sent to nearly 158,000 families with children. The revenue department says those funds benefitted more than 287,000 children.
āThatās a real difference for people who need it the most,ā Revenue Director Drew Shirk said in a release. āThis year we want to reach even more.”
Families can also apply for program tax refunds for previous years when they did not apply for up to three calendar years from when each federal tax return was due. In 2025, the agency will accept applications for the 2024, 2023, and 2022 tax year credits, which means that if a family was eligible for all three years, their refund could be as high as $3,745.
Eligibility
Families (and individuals) are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit if they meet all the following requirements:
- Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Lived in Washington state a minimum of 183 days (over half the year) in 2024. See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about residency to learn more.
- Are 25-64 years oldĀ ORĀ have a qualifying child in 2024.
- Filed a 2024 federal tax return.
- Eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2024 tax return (or would meet the requirements for EITC but are filing with an ITIN).
- Meet certain income requirements below.
Number of qualifying children |
Applicant must make lessthan the following in 2024Ā |
Maximum credit amount |
|
|
Single |
Married |
|
0 |
$18,591 |
$25,511 |
$325 |
1 |
$49,084 |
$56,004 |
$640 |
2 |
$55,768 |
$62,688 |
$965 |
3 |
$59,899 |
$66,819 |
$1,290 |
*Income eligibility thresholds are based on the 2024 Federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Eligibility thresholds may change for future tax years.
Ways to file
The following are ways to apply for the Working Families Tax Credit:
- Online applications atĀ WFTC.wa.gov. Available in English and Spanish.
- Paper applications available in English and 12 other languages.
- At your local DOR field office. Interpreters available.
- Third-party tax preparation software. Visit WFTC.wa.gov/resources for a list of software providers.
The application period begins Feb. 1, 2025, for the 2024 tax year and applications will be accepted through Dec. 31, 2028. Note: The state refund goes to eligible families in addition to any refunds they may be eligible for under the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program.
Read more:
The push for higher pay, more support for WA child care providers