Working Families' Tax Credit.
The Working Families' Tax Credit (WFTC) is a state program for low- to moderate-income families that offers a partial credit against sales and use taxes paid in the form of a refund. ?To be eligible for credit payments, a person must:
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There is no minimum or maximum age requirement for a person with a qualifying child.
The amount of the WFTC payment varies depending on the number of qualifying children in the household and the filer's income level. ?The minimum credit amount for all eligible persons that apply is $50.??For tax year 2024, the maximum credit amount is as follows:
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Credit amounts are adjusted every 3 years for inflation based on changes in the consumer price index.
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Qualifying income levels are based around the maximum adjusted gross income for the federal EITC, which changes annually.? The maximum credit amount for the WFTC is reduced by varying percentages, depending on income levels.? The Department of Revenue (DOR) adjusts the rate of credit reductions annually to maintain the minimum credit being received at the maximum qualifying income level.? The rates of credit reduction also vary based on the number of qualifying children.
To receive a credit, eligible persons must apply to the DOR.? The DOR has authority to adopt rules necessary to implement and administer the program.
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Tax Preference Performance Statement.
State law provides for a range of tax preferences that confer reduced tax liability upon a designated class of taxpayer.? Tax preferences include tax exclusions, deductions, exemptions, preferential tax rates, deferrals, and credits.? Currently, Washington has over 700 tax preferences, including a variety of sales and use tax exemptions.? Legislation that establishes or expands a tax preference must include a Tax Preference Performance Statement (TPPS) that identifies the public policy objective of the preference, as well as specific metrics that the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) can use to evaluate the effectiveness of the preference.?
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All new tax preferences automatically expire after 10 years unless an alternative expiration date is provided.
Individuals 18 years of age or older are eligible for the WFTC if they meet the income qualifications, without regard to filing with a qualifying child.
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The expansion of the WFTC is included in the existing TPPS used to direct JLARC's review.? The bill is exempt from the 10-year expiration date.