
Eligible workers in Washington state still have time to apply for the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), which provides direct payments of up to $1,200. But the deadline to file a claim is December 31, 2025, and thousands of residents have yet to apply.
The WFTC is designed to support low-to-moderate income households and is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Who qualifies for the credit?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have lived in Washington state for at least 183 days in 2024
- File a 2024 federal tax return
- Be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or meet certain income thresholds
In addition, individuals must have earned income in 2024 and possess a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
How much can you receive?
The maximum credit is $1,200, depending on the number of children in the household and income level. Estimated payouts include:
- $300 for individuals with no children
- $600 with one child
- $900 with two children
- $1,200 with three or more children
How to apply
Applications for the 2024 tax year are open through December 31, 2025. Residents can apply:
- Online via the Washington Department of Revenue
- By submitting the WFTC application when filing state taxes
- Through approved tax filing assistance providers
Payments are typically delivered within 90 days after approval, either by direct deposit or mailed check.
Why this matters
The WFTC is one of Washington’s most significant anti-poverty initiatives. In 2024, more than 150,000 households received payments, but thousands more are eligible and have not yet applied.
“This credit helps working families cover basic expenses like rent, child care, and groceries,” said state revenue officials.
What’s next?
With just over seven months left before the filing window closes, the state is urging residents to apply as soon as possible. Households who received the credit last year may need to reapply for 2024, depending on their tax status.
For more details and to apply, visit the official Washington Working Families Tax Credit website.