The Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) is a refundable state tax credit for Washington residents that mirrors the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Applications for tax year 2025 opened on February 1, 2026, and remain open year-round through December 31, 2029.
April 2026 Update: Many applicants who filed in February or early March have already received their refunds or should be receiving them soon. If you filed in March or April, use the status guide below to check where your refund stands. New filers can still apply — the window remains open.
Washington WFTC 2026 — Key Facts
| Tax Year | 2025 (filed in 2026) |
| Application Opens | February 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | December 31, 2029 (year-round) |
| Processing Time (e-file) | ~4 weeks |
| Processing Time (paper) | 6–8 weeks |
| Maximum Credit — 0 children | Up to $315 |
| Maximum Credit — 1 child | Up to $523 |
| Maximum Credit — 2 children | Up to $868 |
| Maximum Credit — 3+ children | Up to $1,255 |
| Minimum Credit | $50 (for qualifying filers above the income phase-out threshold) |
| Status Check Tool | dor.wa.gov |
How to Check Your 2026 Washington WFTC Refund Status
- Go to dor.wa.gov — Working Families Tax Credit.
- Click on the Check Your Status option.
- Select tax year 2025.
- Enter your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
- Enter your date of birth and the income you reported on Form 1040 for tax year 2025.
- Click Submit to view your current refund status.
For assistance, contact the Washington DOR at 1-360-705-6705.
What Do the WFTC Refund Status Messages Mean?
| Status | Meaning | What to Do |
| Received | The DOR has your application and is queuing it for review | Wait — no action needed yet |
| Processing | The DOR is actively reviewing your application | Allow up to 4 weeks (e-file) or 6–8 weeks (paper) |
| Approved | Your application was reviewed and approved; refund will be issued soon | Your payment is being prepared |
| Sent | Your refund has been released | Direct deposit: same-day; paper check: allow ~7 days |
| Action Needed | There is an issue with your application (error, missing document, or mismatch) | Contact the DOR at 1-360-705-6705 immediately |
How Will You Receive Your WFTC Refund?
- Direct deposit: Arrives on the same day the DOR releases it (fastest method)
- Prepaid debit card: Arrives on the same day as release
- Paper check: Allow approximately 7 business days after the “Sent” status appears
Estimated Refund Timeline for Current Filers
| Application Filed (E-file) | Estimated Refund Sent | Status |
| Feb 1 – Feb 28 ✅ | Mar 1 – Mar 28 | ✅ Paid |
| Mar 1 – Mar 28 ✅ | Mar 29 – Apr 25 | ✅ / In Progress |
| Mar 29 – Apr 15 | Apr 26 – May 13 | ⏳ Processing |
| Apr 16 – May 10 | May 14 – Jun 7 | ⏳ Upcoming |
Haven’t Applied Yet? You Still Can
The WFTC application window remains open through December 31, 2029 for tax year 2025 returns. Even if you missed the April 15 federal tax deadline, you can still file your federal return and WFTC application after that date. File as soon as possible to receive your refund sooner.
To check your eligibility or begin your application, visit the Washington DOR WFTC page.