Washington families who were previously eligible for stimulus checks are no longer able to get them. In Washington State, at least, this is the situation.
After more than a decade of advocacy and years of legislative efforts, the Working Families Tax Credit was unveiled Wednesday by the Washington Department of Revenue. The credit could provide a refund of up to $1,200 to those who qualify.
The tax credit is meant to benefit more than 400,000 low-income households in the state. People are eligible based on their household income and the number of eligible children.
Stimulus Checks 2023
A single individual can receive up to $300 in tax credit, while families with three or more children can receive up to $1,200. The minimal amount based on eligible children’s income is $50.
According to the Washington State Budget and Policy Center, the tax credit is the result of community advocates’ efforts spanning more than a decade.
The governor of Washington, Jay Inslee, published an article about the tax credit on Medium.
Inslee said that research conducted in 2021 revealed that low-income Washington citizens pay 17 percent of their income in taxes, while middle-income workers paid 11 percent. Those in the highest income groups pay an average of 3 percent in taxes.
Inslee remarked Programs like the WFTC are correcting this inverted tax structure by making Washington’s tax system less regressive.
Individuals who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are also eligible for a refund under a crucial component of the refund scheme. Included among those who file taxes with an ITIN are undocumented immigrants and certain visa holders.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues ITINs to individuals who are not eligible for Social Security numbers so they can file tax returns and make tax payments.
IRS website: They are issued regardless of immigration status, because both resident and nonresident aliens may have a U.S. filing or reporting obligation under the Internal Revenue Code. ITINs serve no other function than federal tax reporting.
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How To Apply
A spokeswoman for Washington’s Department of Revenue told Newsweek that payment will be made via electronic deposit or check for approved applicants.
According to Inslee’s Medium piece, the state prioritizes inclusion by including immigrants in tax credits.
During a press event announcing the tax credit, the head of union SEIU 775 stated, Because, in Washington, we acknowledge the dignity of every single individual in our community.
In 2021, when Inslee signed the necessary laws to establish the credit, the process of launching the program formally began.
Eligible families can apply for the credit through the state’s website or by utilizing a qualified online federal income tax preparer, such as H&R Block.
The Department of Revenue partnered with a number of tax preparers, although some, such as TurboTax, would not offer the option.
Several states have enacted various types of stimulus checks in response to calls for government action against inflation. Many states provide similar income tax rebate programs, including California’s Middle-Class Tax Refund and Colorado’s Cash Back.
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