Applications Now Being Accepted for the Working Families Tax Credit

Up to $1,200 to individuals and families who meet eligibility requirements

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Feb. 1, 2023 – The Department of Revenue has begun accepting applications for the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC). Up to 400,00 eligible Washington workers and their families may receive money back this year. The new program returns a portion of sales tax paid each year and is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program which is considered one of the best tools for reducing poverty nationwide.

“We are excited to begin accepting applications for this incredible program and getting money back to those people who need it the most,” said Revenue Acting Director John Ryser. “WFTC is part of a broader campaign to reduce poverty in Washington and our agency is proud to be a part of this effort.”

About the Credit

  • Provides payments of up to $1,200 to individuals and families who meet eligibility requirements
  • The WFTC refund is in addition to what someone may receive under the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program.
  • The WFTC is a recurring program and can be applied for each year.
  • The application period begins Feb. 1, 2023, for the 2022 tax year, and will be accepted through Dec. 31, 2023.

Eligibility

Individuals and families are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit if they meet all of 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).
  • Are 25-64 years old OR have a qualifying child in 2022.
  • Filed a 2022 federal tax return.
  • Eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2022 tax return (or would meet the requirements for EITC but are filing with an ITIN).
  • Meet certain income requirements.

Income thresholds and credit amount*

Eligibility for the WFTC is based on income and family size. The maximum credit amount for a single person is $300, with an increase of $300 for each qualifying child, up to a maximum of $1,200 for a family with 3 or more children.

Number of qualifying children

Applicant must make less than the following

Maximum credit amount

  Single Married (filing jointly)  

0

$16,480

$22,610

$300

1

$43,492

$49,622

$600

2

$49,399

$55,529

$900

3 or more

$53,057

$59,187

$1,200

*Income eligibility thresholds are based on the 2022 Federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Eligibility thresholds may change for future tax years.

Ways to file

Applications are available online and in hardcopy. The department has also partnered with multiple tax preparation software vendors so that applicants can file their WFTC application when they file their federal tax return.

Resources

The Department of Revenue is Washington state’s primary tax agency, nationally recognized as a trusted leader in tax administration and customer service. Revenue administers nearly 60 categories of taxes that help fund vital public services. It also oversees programs that return money to the public, including the Working Families Tax Credit and Unclaimed Property.