Washington Working Families Tax Credit
Last updated August 2026
The Working Families Tax Credit is Washington's answer to a state with no income tax: a direct annual payment of $50 up to $1,330 for working households. For tax year 2025 the maximums run $335 with no qualifying children, $660 with one, $995 with two, $1,330 with three or more, phasing down with income up to ceilings of $19,104 to $68,675 depending on family size and filing status.
Here is the headline that separates it from the federal EITC: ITIN filers qualify. You need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and a qualifying child can have an ITIN too. Washington built this credit to include the workers the federal credit leaves out.
The other trap to avoid: it is not automatic. Claiming the federal EITC does nothing for the WFTC; you must file a separate application with the state Department of Revenue. Apply through a My DOR account online, through participating tax software or a preparer, on paper, or with free in-person help at DOR offices and community events.
The checklist: live in Washington at least 183 days of the tax year, be 25 to 64 or have a qualifying child, file a federal return, and meet the federal EITC requirements, or meet them except for filing with an ITIN. You do not need a current job, only earned income for the year claimed.
Missed years are still money on the table. You can still apply using your 2022, 2023, or 2024 return in addition to 2025. A family that qualified all four years and never applied could be owed thousands; back-claiming is a form each, not a legal case.
Two practical notes. Processing is currently backlogged past 90 days and applications are worked in order, so use the refund status tool rather than calling. And refunds can come on a prepaid debit card, no bank account needed. Free filing help lives at VITA sites in season; dial 2-1-1 to find one.
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- You must qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or would qualify but for filing with an ITIN, and have lived in Washington at least 183 days in the year
- You must be 25 to 64 years old or have a qualifying child, and file a federal tax return for the year you claim
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
File your federal tax return first.
- 2
Apply separately for the WFTC through My DOR, tax software, a preparer, or paper.
- 3
Check whether 2022, 2023, or 2024 are still unclaimed for your household, and apply for those too.
- 4
Track your payment with the refund status tool; processing currently runs past 90 days.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much is the Working Families Tax Credit?
For tax year 2025: up to $335 with no children, $660 with one, $995 with two, $1,330 with three or more, phasing down with income. Everyone who qualifies gets at least $50.
I file taxes with an ITIN. Do I qualify?
Yes. The WFTC is open to ITIN filers, and qualifying children can have ITINs too. That is its biggest difference from the federal EITC.
Is it automatic if I claim the federal EITC?
No. It requires a separate application to the Washington Department of Revenue every year, through My DOR, tax software, a preparer, or paper.
Can I claim past years?
Yes. Applications are still open for tax years 2022, 2023, and 2024 alongside 2025.
When will my payment arrive?
Processing is currently taking more than 90 days, in the order received. Use the refund status tool on the WFTC site rather than calling.
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