Did you know there's a tax credit for Washington workers?

||| FROM MEGAN EHRMANTROUT for ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER |||

Did you know Washington workers may be eligible for up to $1255 back with the new Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)? This is a relatively new credit and available to applicants who have lived in Washington a minimum of 183 days, are at least 25 and under 65 years of age, OR have a qualifying child in 2023. Applicants must have filed a 2023 federal tax return with a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Want to file your taxes for free online? Check out Direct File, a new tool from the IRS, at directfile.irs.gov. Another option allowing taxpayers to file for no cost on their own or with a virtual tax preparer can be found at myfreetaxes.com.

Tax season can bring an important boost of extra cash for low to moderate income families through credits like the WFTC and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Combined, these two tax credits put an average of $2,926 back into the pockets of households with lower incomes each year. That is a total of $895 million in Washington! Still, last year, fewer than half of estimated eligible households applied.

Online applications are open now! Did you miss applying for the credit last year? Don’t worry – you’ll be able to submit an application for 2022 as well. For more information or to see if you qualify, visit WFTC.wa.gov or call 360-763-7300. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.

The Orcas Community Resource Center’s mission is to foster a healthy community by connecting Orcas Islanders with the services needed to thrive and achieve equitable well-being. We’re here to help! If you’d like to learn more about our services, please visit orcascrc.org.