Washington Working Families Tax Credit: How to Get $300–$1,255 Back in Your Pocket

If you live in Washington and you work for a living, there’s a decent chance the state owes you money. Not a scam. Not a weird “program” that takes 90 minutes to understand. A straightforward cash refund: $300 to $1,255, depending on your income, filing status, and kids.

This is the Washington State Working Families Tax Credit. It’s basically Washington’s way of saying, “We see you working, and we’re going to boost your income a bit.”

And here’s the part that quietly breaks my heart: tens of thousands of eligible people never claim it each year. The money just… sits there. Because people assume:

• “I probably don’t qualify.”
• “It sounds complicated.”
• “If the government owed me money, they’d just send it, right?”

Nope. You actually have to apply. The good news is, once you know what you’re doing, it’s simpler than most job applications and much more rewarding.

This guide walks you through who qualifies, how much you might get, how to apply, and how not to miss the deadline—without jargon, guilt, or scare tactics.

At a Glance: Washington Working Families Tax Credit

What This Tax Credit Actually Offers

This isn’t a coupon. It’s not a discount on future bills. It is real cash in the form of a refund check or prepaid debit card from the Washington Department of Revenue.

Depending on your situation, you could receive:

• Around $300 if you don’t have qualifying children and your income is in the eligible range.
• Several hundred dollars if you’re a couple with modest income and one child.
• Up to $1,255 if you have multiple qualifying children and fall within the income limits.

Think of it as an income boost targeted at people who are working but not exactly rolling in stock options.

You don’t have to owe any Washington state tax to get it. In fact, this isn’t about paying less tax—it’s about getting more money back. You apply, they review, and if you qualify, the state sends you the credit.

You can choose to get your refund via:

• A paper check, which you can deposit or cash.
• A prepaid debit card, which is a smart option if you don’t have a bank account or don’t want to pay check-cashing fees. You use it like any other debit card.

And if you’re late to the party? The program lets you apply for prior years (currently 2022 and 2023) as long as you file within that three-year window. So even if you’re reading this well after April 15, you might still be able to claim money you didn’t know you qualified for.

Who Should Apply (With Real-Life Examples)

You should seriously consider applying if any of these sound like you:

• You worked for pay in the relevant tax year (wages, self-employment, gig work, etc.).
• Your income was on the lower to moderate side.
• You either claimed the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or would have qualified for it if you’d filed.
• You lived in Washington for at least 183 days (about half the year).

Let’s make that more concrete.

Example 1: Single worker, no kids

You’re 27, work full time in retail or food service, and make around $20,000–$25,000 a year. On your federal taxes, you qualify for the federal EITC. You lived in Washington all year.

You’re exactly the kind of person this credit is meant for. You might get a few hundred dollars from the state on top of your federal refund.

Example 2: Married couple with kids

You and your spouse file a joint return, have two kids, and your combined income is, say, $35,000–$45,000. You qualify for the federal EITC. You’ve been in Washington the full year.

You’re likely looking at a larger Working Families Tax Credit—potentially close to the maximum if your income falls in the sweet spot.

Example 3: ITIN filer

You don’t have a Social Security number, but you file federal taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Your household meets the income rules for the EITC (even if you didn’t actually claim it), and you lived in Washington at least 183 days.

You may qualify. Washington specifically includes certain ITIN filers, which is a big deal because many tax benefits exclude them. If this is you, do not self-disqualify. Check the eligibility details or talk to a free tax help site to confirm.

Key point: You don’t have to be a tax expert. If your federal income tax situation puts you in EITC territory—or would, if you filed—this credit is worth looking at.

What This Opportunity Really Means for You

The obvious benefit: more money. But it’s more than that.

For many families, a $300–$1,255 refund can:

• Cover a month (or more) of rent or childcare.
• Knock out a lingering utility bill.
• Replace tires that you’ve been anxiously driving on.
• Start a small emergency fund so the next surprise doesn’t wreck your budget.

Because this is a state-funded program, you’re not competing against other people in some limited pool of grants. If you qualify and apply correctly, you’re not “taking someone else’s spot.” The credit is there for every eligible worker.

Washington also built a support system around this credit:

• Free in-person help through community organizations and DOR offices.
• Online guidance for both online and paper applications.
• Clear instructions on verifying your identity, submitting missing documents, and following up.

There’s even a refund status tool—think of it as “Where’s My Refund?” but for this credit—so you’re not left wondering what happened after you apply.

Insider Tips for a Winning (and Smooth) Application

You’re not “competing” in the usual sense, but there are very real ways to make your experience faster and less frustrating.

1. Start with your federal tax return

The Working Families Tax Credit is built on top of the federal EITC rules.

Before you apply:

• File your federal tax return for that year.
• Make sure the information is correct: income, filing status, and details on your children if you have them.

If you would qualify for EITC but haven’t filed your federal return yet, get that done first—ideally with free tax help if you’re unsure.

2. Gather your basics before you sit down

Save yourself the back-and-forth. Have ready:

• Your Social Security number or ITIN.
• Your spouse’s details if filing jointly.
• Names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers/ITINs for any qualifying children.
• Your federal tax return for that year (2022, 2023, etc.).
• Proof you lived in Washington (usually your address history on your return is enough, but keep things like leases or utility bills handy in case they ask).

You don’t want to get halfway through an application and realize your kid’s Social Security card is in a mystery drawer.

3. Use the online portal if you can

The Department of Revenue’s My DOR portal is designed for exactly this.

• You create or log in to your account.
• You fill out the Working Families Tax Credit application.
• You can upload documents, respond to requests, and check your refund status.

Paper works, but online is usually faster and easier to track, especially if they need additional documents later.

4. Take letters from the Department of Revenue seriously

If you got a letter saying you might be eligible for a 2022 or 2023 refund—or asking for “missing documents”—it’s very likely real.

What to do:

• Find the Letter ID on the notice.
• Go to the program site and use the “Submit missing documents” option.
• Upload what they’re asking for: ID, proof of residency, etc.

Those letters are often the difference between “potential refund” and “actual money in your hands.” Don’t ignore them.

5. Don’t guess—ask for help

Free help is built into this program. If you’re:

• Confused about whether you qualify,
• Unsure how to fill out the child or ITIN sections, or
• Nervous about online forms,

you can go to a local event, community partner, or DOR office and get one-on-one assistance—free. Volunteers and staff are used to questions like “I think I did this wrong, can you look?”

Application Timeline: Working Backward from April 15

Think of April 15 as your “ideal” deadline for that tax year’s credit. But you’ve got breathing room: you can apply up to three years later. Still, sooner is better.

Here’s a realistic timeline for the current tax year:

January–February

• Gather your income documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
• File your federal tax return, especially if you’re claiming the EITC.
• While you’re doing that, note your final numbers—income, filing status, number of qualifying children.

February–March

• Head to the Working Families Tax Credit website.
• Use their tools or eligibility checklist to see if you qualify.
• Create a My DOR account if you don’t already have one.
• Start your application online or request/print the paper forms if you prefer mail.

By early April (no later than April 10 if you can help it)

• Submit your completed application for the credit.
• Double-check your address, bank info (if relevant), and contact details.
• Save a copy or screenshot of your confirmation.

After April 15

• If you missed the “normal” deadline, don’t give up. You can still file for that year for up to three years.
• If you’ve already applied, use the refund status tool or log in to your My DOR account to see where things stand.

Because of that three-year window, you might be able to apply now for:

• The current tax year, plus
• The two previous years (for example, applying in 2025 for 2024, 2023, and 2022).

That’s potentially three years of refunds if you were eligible but never applied.

Required Materials: What You’ll Need and How to Prepare

The exact checklist can vary a bit, but expect to need:

• Your federal tax return for the year(s) you’re applying for (2022, 2023, etc.).
• Identification (driver’s license, state ID, or other acceptable ID).
• Social Security numbers or ITINs for you, your spouse (if you file jointly), and any qualifying children.
• Your current mailing address and contact info.
• Bank account details if you want direct deposit for any related refunds (if available) or to link with My DOR features.
• Any supporting documents the Department of Revenue requests: for example, proof of Washington residency if they can’t verify it from existing records.

If you apply online, you’ll likely need to upload PDFs or clear photos of documents. Don’t worry if you’re not a tech wizard—community partners and DOR offices can walk you through scanning or photographing documents with a phone.

The key is consistency: the details on your Working Families Tax Credit application should match what’s on your federal return for that year.

What Makes an Application Stand Out (In a Good Way)

This isn’t a judged competition, but some applications glide through while others get stuck in document limbo. Here’s what “glide” looks like:

1. Accurate, consistent information

If your name, address, and Social Security/ITIN numbers match your federal return, you’re already off to a strong start. Inconsistent spelling, old addresses, or mixed-up birthdates can trigger extra review.

2. Clear qualifying children info

If you’re claiming children:

• Make sure they’re also listed on your federal return.
• Confirm their birthdates and SSNs/ITINs are accurate.
• Ensure they meet residency rules (typically living with you for more than half the year).

3. Fast response to document requests

If the Department of Revenue asks for more info—proof of residency, ID verification, etc.—and you respond quickly and clearly, your refund moves along much faster than if those letters sit unopened on the counter.

4. Use of official tools

Applying via My DOR, checking your refund status with the online tool, and sending documents through the official channels all signal, “This person is organized and reachable.” That reduces back-and-forth and confusion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)

1. Assuming you don’t qualify

“I made a little too much.” “I’m single with no kids.” “I use an ITIN, so I’m probably excluded.”

These assumptions are often wrong. The Working Families Tax Credit is deliberately broad. If you got—or could have gotten—the federal EITC, check your eligibility instead of guessing.

2. Ignoring letters from the Department of Revenue

Some people see a government envelope and think “bad news,” then never open it.

In this case, that envelope might be saying, “We need one more document before we send you several hundred dollars.” If you get a letter:

• Open it.
• Look for the Letter ID.
• Use the Submit missing documents option on the website.

3. Waiting until the last minute

Yes, you have three years. But everything—from your memory to your paperwork—is easier if you apply sooner. Don’t wait until the final year and realize you can’t find old records.

4. Not filing a federal return at all

Some people with low income skip federal taxes because they “don’t owe anything.” That may be true—but you might be skipping refunds, including the EITC and this state credit that’s built on top of it.

If your income was low to moderate, it’s worth filing a federal return, even if you think you don’t need to, and then applying for the Working Families Tax Credit.

5. Going it alone when you’re unsure

You are not supposed to just “figure it out” in a vacuum. There are free tax prep sites, community organizations, and DOR staff whose job is to help you navigate this. Use them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to owe Washington state taxes to get this?
No. This is a refund, not a reduction in state tax owed. Many eligible people don’t owe state taxes at all and still receive the credit.

What if I didn’t claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit?
You may still qualify if you would have been eligible for the EITC based on your income and family situation. You’ll probably want to correct or file your federal return with help from a tax preparer or free tax clinic, then apply for the state credit.

Can I apply for multiple years at once?
Yes, you can apply for prior years (such as 2022 and 2023) as long as you’re within the three-year window. You’ll typically need to submit information from each year’s federal tax return.

What if I moved to Washington partway through the year?
You must have lived in Washington for at least 183 days of that tax year (about six months). If you moved mid-year, count your days; if you meet that threshold and qualify otherwise, you may be eligible.

Does immigration status matter?
The program is open to certain ITIN filers, which means you don’t necessarily need a Social Security number. The details can be nuanced, so if you’re unsure, talk with a trusted community organization or tax helper who knows both federal EITC and this state credit.

How do I get my refund—check or card?
You can receive a paper check or choose a prepaid debit card. The prepaid option is useful if you don’t have a bank account or don’t want to deal with check-cashing fees and delays.

How long does it take to get the money?
Processing times can vary by season and volume. Applying early and responding quickly to any follow-up requests will speed things up. You can always check the status with the refund tool or by logging into My DOR.

Is there any cost to apply?
No. The application itself is free, and there are free tax assistance options across the state. If someone tries to charge you a big fee just to apply for this credit, that’s a red flag.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Ready to go after your money? Here’s a simple path:

1. File your federal tax return for the year(s) you’re claiming—ideally including the Earned Income Tax Credit if you’re eligible.
2. Check your eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit using the information from your return (income, filing status, kids).
3. Go to the official site: https://workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov/
4. Decide how you want to apply:
   • Online using a My DOR account (recommended for most people).
   • By paper, if you prefer to fill out and mail a physical form.
5. Complete the application carefully:
   • Make sure names, Social Security/ITIN numbers, and birthdates match your federal return.
   • Double-check your address and contact info.
6. Submit your application and keep your confirmation.
7. If you receive a follow-up letter asking for documents, respond quickly using the “Submit missing documents” feature or in person if you need help.
8. Track your refund:
   • Use the refund status tool (“Where is my refund?” on the site).
   • Or log in to My DOR to see updates and messages.

Get Started: Claim the Money Washington Set Aside for You

You work. You pay what you owe. When there’s a program designed to put money back into your hands, it makes sense to claim it.

Don’t assume you’re not eligible. Don’t let a confusing form scare you off. And definitely don’t leave hundreds or even over a thousand dollars sitting on the table because no one told you about this.

Ready to see if you qualify and apply?

Visit the official Working Families Tax Credit page here:
https://workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov/

From there, you can:

• Review full eligibility details.
• Apply online or download paper forms.
• Find free in-person or community help.
• Check the status of your refund.
• Get instructions in multiple languages.

Take an hour now. Your future self—and your bank account—will be very happy you did.