The Working Families Tax Credit is Finally Here!

Along with our coalition partners, we at MomsRising are spreading some good news! Over 400,000 Washington households are now eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit, which started in February 2023.

Are you curious about the program? Want to help spread the word? You’re reading the right blog post!

What is the Working Families Tax Credit?

Click on the image above to open the Working Families Tax Credit Eligibility Table. Please note that income limits will increase slightly each year.

Washington made history in 2021 when the legislature passed and funded the Working Families Tax Credit, a first-of-its-kind policy for the state that will put millions of dollars back into the pockets of families. Eligible households can receive up to $1,200 per year. This is just the start to make sure every Washingtonian can put food on the table, pay for emergencies, and go to sleep with peace of mind.

Don’t miss out on your payment—ask about the Working Families Tax Credit when you do your taxes. This payment is not a loan, and you can use it however you like. Undocumented immigrants and mixed status families are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit. Your information is safe, and free assistance is available to help you apply. Check your eligibility and apply for the credit at workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov.

What’s next for this policy? 

Advocates, community members, and organizers across the state are working to expand the WFTC. We want to make it even more equitable.

During the 2023 state legislative session, we are championing House Bill 1075/Senate Bill 5249 

—legislation that would expand the Working Families Tax Credit to include low-income, working young people and older adults trying to make ends meet. The current age range for childless workers limits the lifesaving WFTC cash to those who are 25–65 years old. The legislation would:

• Expand the age range so that all filers aged 18 and older can access the WFTC.
• Reach more young working adults and older people, increasing covered households by nearly 50 percent.
• Add 210,000 households (currently, the WFTC is estimated to have 420,000+ households).

Click on the bill numbers above to learn more and to leave messages about these bills for your state legislators. You can also send a message to your legislators via MomsRising.org.

Can you help spread the word about the WFTC? 

Helping spread the word is critical in the first year of this program, so we can make sure every eligible household receives their cash. There are many ways you can do this!

• Computer or phone: The WFTC has a Facebook page with overview videos you can share on your socials.
• Print material: Hang posters or flyers around your community or share with friends and family. The Working Families Tax Credit Coalition provides materials in 12 languages.

Got questions?

Learn more on the Washington Tax Credit FAQ page. If you don’t see an answer to your question, e-mail wainfo@momsrising.org and we’ll respond.

To stay up to date, sign up for updates here (bottom of the page). Follow the WFTC Coalition on Facebook and on wataxcredit.org.

Contributor Mandy Kwan is campaign director at MomsRising. She focuses her leadership on organizing and mobilization efforts surrounding workplace justice and family, women, and youth advocacy.