Submitted by the Opportunity Council.

Washington State families and individuals can apply for a new credit of up to $1,200 on their tax returns this year.

The new Working Families Tax Credit, administered through the Department of Revenue, stimulates the local economy, promotes racial equity, and supports the financial stability and well-being of applicants.

“So many people might not even know about the credit, or they’re overwhelmed by the amount of information they need to file their taxes,” said Lorena Shah, assistant director of community programs for Opportunity Council. She said some people might miss applying for the tax credit when they initially file their federal taxes, but fortunately, applications are open until December 31st, 2023.

If taxpayers meet eligibility requirements, the Working Families Tax Credit gives them up to a $1,200 credit on their tax returns. The requirements include:

• Recipients must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

• Reside in Washington a minimum of 183 days in 2022 (over half the year)

• File a 2022 federal tax return

• Be at least 25 and under 65 years of age OR have had a qualifying child in 2022

“Unfortunately, the Working Families Tax Credit wasn’t integrated into all online tax filing platforms this year, and tax preparers sometimes charge for including extra components in your tax returns like the Working Families Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Shah. Those who need it most may miss out on all or part of their tax return unnecessarily.

Opportunity Council helps taxpayers apply for the Working Families Tax Credit for free at their downtown Bellingham and East Whatcom Regional resource centers. Applications available in English and Spanish can be submitted for free at WorkingFamiliesCredit.wa.gov/apply, and paper applications in 12 other languages can be mailed or brought to a Department of Revenue field office.

The Whatcom Asset Building Coalition is providing extensive community outreach for free tax preparation and tax credit awareness. To inquire about outreach materials for your organization, please visit our website at whatcomabc.org/taxes or email admin@whatcomabc.org. For more information about eligibility requirements, check the Department of Revenue’s website, workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov, or get in touch with Whatcom Asset Building Coalition’s Tax Hotline at taxes@oppco.org or 360-746-0100.