Working Family Tax Credit – Eligibility and Amount for Washington WFTC!

The Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) is a tax benefit for low- and moderate-income residents of the state. Implemented in 2021, this program offers refundable tax credits that can put money directly back in your pocket.

Working Family Tax Credit

The Working Families Tax Credit in Washington State is a program aimed at supporting low-to-moderate income families by providing tax refunds to stimulate the local economy and promote racial equity. 

Managed by the Washington State Department of Revenue, this credit returns a portion of sales tax paid each year, modelled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit program. 

The Working Families Tax Credit amount in Washington State varies based on income level and the number of qualifying children. The credit ranges from $315 to $1,255, with a minimum credit of $50 regardless of the number of children.

Working Families Tax Credit Eligibility 

The eligibility criteria for the Washington Working Families Tax Credit are:

  • You must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • You need to be a resident of Washington state for at least 183 days (over half the year) during the tax year you’re claiming the credit.
  • You must have filed a federal tax return for the year you’re claiming the WFTC.
  • Generally, you must be between 25 and 65 years old.
  • Exception: This age requirement is waived if you have at least one qualifying child in your household.

Income Limits:

  • The WFTC has income thresholds based on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). These limits change annually.

Qualifying Child:

  • The credit amount increases for families with more qualifying children.
  • A qualifying child must meet these criteria:
    • Age: Under 19 at the end of the tax year and younger than you (or your spouse if filing jointly).
    • Lived with you for more than half of the tax year.
    • Not filing a joint tax return (except to claim a refund of withheld or estimated taxes).
    • Related to you in a specific way (refer to the WFTC website for details).
  • Undocumented Immigrants: The WFTC is inclusive, and undocumented immigrants filing with an ITIN can apply.
  • File your federal taxes before applying for the WFTC.
  • You have three years to claim your WFTC credit after the tax year it applies to.

Working Families Tax Credit Amount

The amount of the Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) you receive depends on two key factors:

  • Number of Qualifying Children in Your Household: The credit amount increases as the number of qualifying children goes up.
  • Your Income Level: The credit amount gradually decreases as your income approaches the income thresholds set by the program.

The credit amounts and income considerations are:

Number of Qualifying Children Single Filer Income Limit Married Filing Jointly Income Limit Maximum Credit Amount*
0 $17,640 $24,210 $315 – $835
1 $46,560 $53,120 $530 – $1,005
2 $52,918 $59,478 Up to $1,255
3+ $56,838 $63,398 Up to $1,255

The maximum credit amount depends on your specific income level within the income limit range.

Applying for the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) in Washington State 

The Washington State Department of Revenue offers a convenient online application process for claiming the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC). To apply follow the below steps mentioned:

  • Go to the Washington State Department of Revenue WFTC websiteat https://workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov/
  • Click on “Apply” in the top navigation bar.
  • Choose “Apply online with MyDOR” (if you have a SAW account) or “Apply without a SAW account” (if you don’t have one).
  • If using a SAW account, log in using your SAW User ID and Password. Complete any Multi-Factor Authentication challenges if prompted.
  • If not using a SAW account, enter your personal information (name, SSN/ITIN, date of birth) and create a temporary login.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the WFTC application. This will involve entering details about your income, filing status, and any qualifying children.
  • Review your application thoroughly before submitting it electronically.
  • Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation message with your application reference number.
  • The online application process is available in English and Spanish.

What to do if I didn’t receive Working FamilyTax Credit on time?

Here’s what you can do if you haven’t received your WFTC on time in Washington State:

Check for Delays:

  • Processing times for the WFTC can vary depending on the application volume and individual circumstances. Allow some reasonable time for processing before assuming a delay.

Contact the WFTC Call Center:

  • If the online tool doesn’t provide a clear answer or you suspect a delay, reach out to the WFTC Call Center.
  • They can offer specific information about your application and address any concerns you may have.
  • Call Center contact information:
    • Phone number: 360-763-7300

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