For many hardworking families in Washington state, a significant portion of their income is spent on sales tax. Recognizing this, the state legislature created the Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), a program designed to provide financial relief and help make the state’s tax system fairer.
This is a critical program that puts money directly back into the pockets of low- and moderate-income residents. However, with any new government program, there’s often considerable confusion.
What Is the Washington Working Families Tax Credit?
The Washington Working Families Tax Credit is an annual tax credit that provides a cash refund to eligible individuals and families. The program is a state-level version of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a successful anti-poverty tool that has been in place for decades.
Like the EITC, the WFTC is designed to boost the income of those who need it most, particularly those who have low to moderate earnings. It’s a way for the state to return a portion of the sales taxes that are disproportionately paid by these families. The credit is refundable, meaning you can receive the benefit even if you don’t owe any state income tax.
Who Qualifies for the WA State Working Families Tax Credit?
Determining eligibility is the first and most crucial step. To qualify for the Washington state tax credit for families, you must meet a specific set of requirements for the tax year you are claiming the credit. These include:
- Residency: You must have lived in Washington for at least 183 days (more than half the year).
- Federal Tax Filing: You must have filed a federal tax return for the same tax year.
- EITC Eligibility: You must be eligible to claim the federal EITC on your federal tax return. However, there’s an important exception: if you file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number (SSN), you can still qualify for the WFTC, even though ITIN filers are excluded from the federal EITC.
- Income Thresholds: Your income must be below a certain limit, which varies based on your filing status and the number of qualifying children you have. These limits are tied to the federal EITC thresholds.
- Age and Dependents: If you have no qualifying children, you must be at least 25 and under 65 years of age. If you have a qualifying child, there is no age restriction.
A qualifying child is defined similarly to the federal EITC rules, generally, a child who is your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, or a descendant of any of them, and who lived with you for more than half the year.
How Much Can You Receive from the Working Families Tax Credit?
The amount of your credit depends on your income and the number of qualifying children you have. The credit amount ranges from a minimum of $50 to a maximum of $1,290. The maximum benefit amount for each category for the 2023 tax year is as follows:
- No qualifying children: Up to $325
- 1 qualifying child: Up to $640
- 2 qualifying children: Up to $965
- 3 or more qualifying children: Up to $1,290
For individuals and families with lower incomes, the credit amount increases. Once your income reaches a certain point, the credit begins to phase out, decreasing until it reaches the minimum $50. The best way to know your exact credit amount is to use the online calculator on the official WA Working Families Tax Credit website.
How to Apply for the Washington Working Families Tax Credit
The application process is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for the WA Working Families Tax Credit:
- File Your Federal Tax Return: Before you can apply for the WFTC, you must first file your federal tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-SR). This is because the WFTC application requires information from your federal return.
- Gather Your Documents: You’ll need your federal tax return, your SSN or ITIN, and the SSNs or ITINs of your spouse and qualifying children. Having your Washington State driver’s license or ID can also help expedite the process.
- Choose Your Application Method: You have several options for applying:
- Online: Use the Department of Revenue’s secure online portal. This is the fastest and most recommended method.
- By Mail: You can download a paper application from the official website and mail it to the Department of Revenue.
- In-person Help: Find a community-based organization or connect with tax relief helpers to assist with your application.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Washington Working Families Tax Credit?
One of the most common questions is, “How long does it take to get the Washington Working Families Tax Credit?” The state Department of Revenue states that it can take up to 90 days to process your application and issue your refund. While many applicants receive their funds sooner, several factors can cause delays, including:
- Peak Filing Season: Processing times may be longer during the busy tax filing season (February to April).
- Incomplete Information: Missing or incorrect information on your application is the most common reason for delays. Always double-check your SSNs, ITINs, and other personal information.
- Mailed Applications: Paper applications take longer to process than online submissions.
- Duplicate Applications: Submitting more than one application will cause significant delays.
- Direct Deposit vs. Check: Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund. A mailed check may take an additional 5-7 business days to arrive.
After two weeks, you can check your refund status using the “Where’s My Refund” tool on the official website.
Benefits of the Washington Working Families Tax Credit
The WFTC is more than just a refund; it’s a powerful economic tool with several benefits for Washington residents.
- Financial Relief: For families living paycheck to paycheck, the credit can be a much-needed boost, helping them cover essential expenses like groceries, childcare, and rent.
- Economic Stimulus: The money is often spent locally, which supports small businesses and strengthens the state’s economy.
- Support for the Most Vulnerable: The credit helps combat Washington’s regressive tax system, which places a higher burden on low-income residents.
- Encouragement of Workforce Participation: The credit is tied to earned income, encouraging individuals to work and earn more.
Final Thoughts
The Washington Working Families Tax Credit is a valuable resource designed to help those who need it most. It’s an opportunity to receive money you are rightfully owed, providing a safety net and a path to greater financial stability.
While the application process may seem daunting, free resources are available to guide you. If you meet the eligibility requirements, take the time to gather your documents and apply. Don’t leave this money on the table.
FAQs About the WA Working Families Tax Credit
- Who qualifies for the WA state working families tax credit? You must be a Washington resident for at least 183 days, have filed a federal tax return, meet federal EITC income and filing requirements (with a special exception for ITIN filers), and be over 25 with no children or have a qualifying child.
- How long does it take to get the Washington working families tax credit? It can take up to 90 days to process your application, with online direct deposits being the fastest method.
- What is the Washington Working Families Tax Credit? It is a state tax refund that provides a cash payment to low- and moderate-income residents, mirroring the federal EITC program.
- Can I get the credit if I also qualify for the federal EITC? Yes. Eligibility for the federal EITC is a prerequisite for the WFTC. You can receive both.
- Do I need to reapply every year? Yes, you must file a new application each year to receive the credit.
Written By: Thomas Brooks
Published: December 29, 2025