If you missed Washington's Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) for tax year 2022, there is still a claim window to check. Washington Department of Revenue identifies December 31, 2026 as the deadline for that tax year. Start with the 2022 instructions so you use the correct return, income limits and application.
Official information checked October 9, 2026.
Quick Summary
This is a prior-year tax credit claim, not an application for income earned in 2026. Use your 2022 federal tax return and the state page for tax year 2022. Eligibility depends on the circumstances for the year claimed. Online and paper application routes are available. Check whether you already applied before sending another application.
What the program means
WFTC is administered by Washington's Department of Revenue. A qualifying applicant may receive a state tax credit refund. The federal return supplies important information, but submitting that return does not replace the separate state application.
Who may qualify
The state's general eligibility FAQ describes the following requirements for the tax year being claimed:
- A valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- At least 183 days living in Washington.
- Age 25 through 64, or a qualifying child.
- A filed federal tax return and eligibility for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or meeting its requirements except for filing with an ITIN.
- Meeting the applicable income requirements.
For this claim, review the 2022 rules and your 2022 records. Complex filing, residency or qualifying-child questions should go to DOR or a qualified tax preparer.
2022 income limits and possible refund
The official 2022 page lists maximum refunds of $300 with no qualifying children, $600 with one, $900 with two and $1,200 in its three-child row. Actual amounts are reduced according to income, and approval is not guaranteed.
For example, the 2022 page lists income below $16,480 for a single or head-of-household filer with no qualifying children, or below $22,610 for a married joint filer with no qualifying children. With one qualifying child, those limits are $43,492 and $49,622 respectively. Consult the complete 2022 chart for your household rather than a newer year's limits.
Important deadline
DOR's May 2026 official bulletin says the tax-year 2022 application deadline is December 31, 2026. This date applies to the 2022 claim. Other tax years have separate windows. Do not wait until the last day to find missing records; confirm submission and delivery instructions with DOR, especially for a paper claim.
Documents and details to prepare
- A copy of the 2022 federal return filed with the IRS.
- SSNs or ITINs and birth dates for the applicant, spouse and children, as applicable.
- Washington driver license or ID number, if you have one.
- Residential and mailing addresses.
- Bank routing and account numbers if choosing direct deposit.
The state instructs online and paper applicants to attach their entire federal return. Enter personal details only in the official state process.
How to apply
- Open the 2022 tax-year page and review its instructions.
- Follow its Apply online or File a paper application link. Use the form for 2022.
- Gather the return and required details before completing the application.
- Review the information, submit through the official route and keep your confirmation.
The state application guide links to free online and paper options and application help. It warns against submitting the same application more than once. For a correction to a submitted application, it directs applicants to call 360-763-7300.
How to check status
Use the official refund-status instructions. Select the tax year and have the last four digits of your SSN or ITIN, birth date and income from line 1z of Form 1040 or 1040-SR ready. The current site notice says processing exceeds 90 days, so the ordinary timing description is not a guaranteed payment date.
Common questions
Can I use the current year's refund maximum for 2022? No. Use the year-specific chart. Amounts and thresholds differ between tax years.
Does checking my status require a duplicate claim? No. Use the status tool and contact DOR if you need help with an existing application.
Important Reminder
Recheck the live 2022 page and DOR guidance before applying. Keep the claim year consistent across your return, application and follow-up. Statewise Apply Guide does not collect tax records or submit claims.
Disclaimer
Statewise Apply Guide is an independent informational website. It is not a government agency, benefits office, law firm, financial advisor, or official application portal. We do not process applications, determine eligibility, issue payments, or provide legal, tax, financial, or benefits advice. Program details, deadlines, eligibility rules, and application links may change. Always confirm information with the official agency before applying.