Thousands of low-income WA families qualify for a tax credit they aren't claiming

Less than half of Washington residents eligible for a tax credit aimed at low-income working families received it last year — the first year it was available.

Still, the state met its goal of reaching at least 40% of those eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit, according to a recent Department of Revenue report. The report said 45% of eligible households claimed the credit. It also found 86% of applicants were approved for it and 56% of applications were processed within 30 days.

Misha Werschkul, executive director of the Washington State Budget and Policy Center, said she sees the uptake rate as a “huge success.” The tax credit, Werschkul said, is “making a real difference for folks and during a time of a lot of economic hardship.”

“Washington has one of the most inequitable tax systems in the country. Low-income people are paying a higher effective tax rate here than most other states,” Werschkul said. “The Working Families Tax Credit is a really targeted and thoughtful way to help offset the amount of taxes paid by lower income Washingtonians.”

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/07/23/thousands-of-low-income-wa-families-qualify-for-a-tax-credit-they-arent-claiming/