Washington state officials are working to ensure that 50% of eligible families apply for the Working Families Tax Credit by next year, which offers up to $1,255 annually and has already helped reduce poverty and inequality.
Washington Aims for 50% Participation in Working Families Tax Credit by Next Year
According to the report of the Washington Examiner, Washington state officials aim to have 50% of eligible families apply for the Working Families Tax Credit by next year. This credit provides up to $1,255 annually based on income and the number of children. In its first year, 45% of eligible households claimed the credit. Governor Jay Inslee called it one of the biggest tax cuts in the state’s history.
The credit was fully funded in 2021 with federal COVID-19 relief money and has been praised for helping reduce poverty and inequality. Lori Pfingst from the Department of Social and Health Services said similar payments during the pandemic lifted 196,000 Washingtonians out of poverty and reduced racial disparities. However, around 10% of recipients have Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers due to immigration status.
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50% Target: Washington State Aims to Boost Working Families Tax Credit Participation with $1,255 Annual Benefit (PHOTO: KIMA)
Washington Department of Revenue Seeks Funding for Outreach to Increase Working Families Tax Credit Applications
To boost participation, the Department of Revenue is asking for more state funding to support media campaigns and work with community groups. These steps are meant to make applying for the credit easier and reach more families who qualify but haven’t yet applied.
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