While the Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) has been available since February, a surprising number of residents have yet to take advantage of the up to $1,200 payment. With the deadline approaching, it’s crucial to act swiftly. 2023 marks the end of this state stimulus opportunity, but Washingtonians can still secure a noteworthy tax rebate through the WFTC.
Active engagement is essential for claiming this benefit, as time is gradually slipping away. Earlier in the year, the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) unveiled the WFTC, with potential rebates ranging from a modest $50 to a substantial $1,200. The exact amount varies, depending on several factors including the taxpayer’s income, the size of their household, and the number of dependents they support.
WFTC tax rebate eligibility, application guidelines, and critical deadlines
The DOR’s online platform includes a helpful tool for individuals to assess their preliminary eligibility. This tool serves as a guide, providing estimated results. The final application process, however, requires a detailed submission for a thorough eligibility review by the DOR. To be considered eligible for the WFTC, applicants must meet certain criteria:
- Possess a Social Security number, ITIN, or another form of official identification
- Have resided in Washington for over half of the year
- Be aged between 25 and 65 years
- Those with a qualifying child in 2022 also qualify
- Have filed a tax return for the year 2022
- Be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit on the 2022 tax return.
The cut-off for applying for the WFTC is December 31. This means applicants have a limited period to complete their submissions. The application process requires several key pieces of information:
- A copy of the federal tax return filed with the IRS
- The applicant’s Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Birthdates for the applicant, their spouse, and any dependents
- A valid driver’s license or Washington state identification number, if one is available
- Both mailing and residential addresses.
Banking information, including account number, for those preferring direct deposit.
Filing for the WFTC can be done conveniently online through the MyDOR system, which supports both English and Spanish languages. Alternatively, applicants can use various tax preparation software for e-filing, or opt for the traditional route of mailing or hand-delivering the application using a downloadable PDF form, accessible in multiple languages.
For further information or to begin the application process, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Washington State Department of Revenue’s official website. This resource provides comprehensive details and guidance to ensure a smooth application process for the WFTC.