The Washington State Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) is a refundable tax credit for Washington residents that mirrors the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Eligible residents can claim the WFTC by filing a separate application with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) for tax year 2025.
Update (March 31, 2026): The 2026 WFTC application window opened February 1, 2026. If you filed in early February, your refund should have arrived by now (e-filers) or be arriving shortly (paper filers). Applications remain open year-round — you can still file for tax year 2025 even after April 15. See the estimated schedule below for current filers.
Washington WFTC 2026 Key Dates
- February 1, 2026: WFTC application window opened for tax year 2025
- April 15, 2026: Federal tax return deadline (you must also file your federal return to claim WFTC)
- Year-round: WFTC applications accepted through December 31, 2026 for tax year 2025
- Processing time: Approximately 4 weeks for e-filed applications; 6–8 weeks for paper applications
Washington WFTC 2026 Refund Schedule — Current Filers
E-Filed Applications (4-Week Processing)
| E-Filed Date | Estimated Approval | Estimated Refund Sent |
| Feb 1 – Feb 7 ✅ | Feb 21 – Feb 27 | Feb 28 – Mar 6 |
| Feb 8 – Feb 14 ✅ | Feb 28 – Mar 6 | Mar 7 – Mar 13 |
| Feb 15 – Feb 21 ✅ | Mar 7 – Mar 13 | Mar 14 – Mar 20 |
| Feb 22 – Feb 28 ✅ | Mar 14 – Mar 20 | Mar 21 – Mar 27 |
| Mar 1 – Mar 7 ✅ | Mar 21 – Mar 27 | Mar 28 – Apr 3 |
| Mar 8 – Mar 14 ✅ | Mar 28 – Apr 3 | Apr 4 – Apr 10 |
| Mar 15 – Mar 21 ✅ | Apr 4 – Apr 10 | Apr 11 – Apr 17 |
| Mar 22 – Mar 28 ✅ | Apr 11 – Apr 17 | Apr 18 – Apr 24 |
| Mar 29 – Apr 4 | Apr 18 – Apr 24 | Apr 25 – May 1 |
| Apr 5 – Apr 11 | Apr 25 – May 1 | May 2 – May 8 |
| Apr 12 – Apr 15 | May 2 – May 6 | May 9 – May 13 |
Paper-Filed Applications (6–8 Week Processing)
| Mailed Date | Estimated Approval | Estimated Refund Received |
| Feb 1 – Feb 7 ✅ | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Feb 8 – Feb 14 ✅ | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Feb 15 – Feb 28 ✅ | Apr 5 – Apr 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Mar 1 – Mar 14 ✅ | Apr 19 – Apr 26 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Mar 15 – Mar 28 | May 3 – May 10 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Mar 29 – Apr 11 | May 17 – May 24 | May 24 – May 31 |
Washington WFTC 2026 Payment Amounts
The WFTC amount you receive is based on your number of qualifying children and your income. The benefit ranges from a minimum of $50 to a maximum of $1,255 (for families with 3+ qualifying children at the lowest income level). Here is an approximate guide:
- No qualifying children: Up to $315
- 1 qualifying child: Up to $523
- 2 qualifying children: Up to $868
- 3+ qualifying children: Up to $1,255
Minimum credit: $50 regardless of income (for those who qualify but earn above the maximum benefit threshold).
For the WFTC credit estimator and eligibility details, visit the Washington DOR WFTC official page.
How to Check Your WA WFTC 2026 Refund Status
- Go to the Washington DOR WFTC page.
- Click on Check Your Status under the Working Families Tax Credit section.
- Select tax year 2025, enter your SSN or ITIN, date of birth, and expected refund amount.
- Click Go to view your refund status.
What to Do If Your WFTC Refund Is Late
- Allow at least 4 weeks after e-filing and 8 weeks after paper filing before following up.
- Use the DOR status tool above to confirm your application status.
- Contact the Washington DOR at 1-360-705-6705 if your refund has not arrived after the expected window.