2025 Tax Benefits and Credits for Immigrants in Washington State

Key Takeaways

• Washington’s 2025 tax credits include Working Families Tax Credit for ITIN filers and Recovery Rebate for low-income households.
• Federal EITC and Child Tax Credit require SSNs, excluding many immigrants; Washington fills these gaps with inclusive state programs.
• Applications open year-round; retroactive claims allowed for 2022, 2023, and 2024; must file federal returns using ITIN or SSN.

As of July 11, 2025, immigrants living in Washington State have access to several important tax benefits and credits. These programs are designed to help low- and moderate-income workers and families, including those who use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) instead of Social Security Numbers (SSNs). This update explains what has changed for 2025, who is affected, when these changes take effect, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for people with pending or future applications.

Summary of What Changed in 2025

Washington State has continued and expanded its commitment to supporting working families, especially immigrants, through tax credits that are more inclusive than federal programs. The main updates for 2025 include:

• The Washington State Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) remains available and continues to allow ITIN filers, including undocumented immigrants, to claim the credit.
• The Recovery Rebate—an extra cash payment for low-income households—remains in place and is available to ITIN filers.
• The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) have updated amounts for 2025, but still require SSNs, which means many immigrants remain excluded from these federal benefits.
• Washington’s programs fill these gaps by offering state-level credits to those who cannot claim federal tax credits due to immigration status.

Who Is Affected by These Changes

These updates affect several groups:

• Immigrants living in Washington State, including those without SSNs who file taxes using ITINs.
• Low- and moderate-income families and individuals who work and live in Washington for at least 183 days in the tax year.
• Undocumented immigrants, certain visa holders, and survivors of domestic violence who may not qualify for federal credits but are included in state programs.
• Military families where one spouse is a Washington resident, even if the other is stationed outside the state.

Effective Dates

• All changes and programs described here are in effect for the 2025 tax year (returns filed in 2026).
• Applications for the Washington State Working Families Tax Credit are open year-round.
• Retroactive claims for the WFTC are allowed for up to three previous years (2022, 2023, and 2024).

Required Actions for Immigrants and Families

To benefit from these tax credits and rebates, eligible individuals and families should take the following steps:

1. File a federal tax return for the 2025 tax year, even if your income is low or you are not required to file. This is necessary to qualify for state credits.
2. If you do not have an SSN, use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file your federal return and apply for the Washington State Working Families Tax Credit.
3. Apply for the Washington State Working Families Tax Credit through the Washington Department of Revenue. You can apply online, by mail, or with help from local organizations.
4. Check your eligibility for the Recovery Rebate as part of the WFTC application process.
5. Keep proof of your residency in Washington State for at least 183 days during the tax year.
6. If you missed claiming credits in previous years, apply retroactively for up to three years.
7. Seek help from local immigrant support organizations if you have questions or need assistance with your application.

Detailed Overview of Key Tax Benefits for Immigrants in Washington (2025)

Washington State Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)

What is it?
The Washington State Working Families Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit, which means you can get money back even if you do not owe any taxes. The credit is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but is more inclusive for immigrants.

How much can you get?
– The annual cash refund ranges from $50 up to $1,255.
– The exact amount depends on your income and the number of qualifying children.
– There is a minimum credit of $50 even if you do not have children.

Who is eligible?
– You must be a resident of Washington State for at least 183 days in the tax year.
– You must have earned income (from work or self-employment).
– You must file a federal tax return.
– Immigrants, including those with ITINs, are eligible. This includes undocumented workers and others who cannot get an SSN.
– Qualifying children can have either an SSN or an ITIN.
– Military personnel stationed outside Washington may qualify if married to a Washington resident.

How do you apply?
– Apply through the Washington Department of Revenue Working Families Tax Credit website.
– Applications are open all year.
– You can claim the credit for the current year and up to three previous years if you missed it before.
– Free tax preparation help is available from local organizations.

Why is this important?
Many immigrants cannot claim the federal EITC because it requires an SSN. The WFTC allows ITIN filers to receive direct cash assistance, helping families pay for food, rent, and other basic needs.

Recent Developments
– The WFTC was launched in 2023 and continues to be available in 2025.
– The program is part of Washington’s effort to promote racial equity and support financial stability for all residents, regardless of immigration status.

Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

What is it?
The federal EITC is a refundable tax credit for low- and moderate-income workers. The amount you can get depends on your income and the number of children you have.

How much can you get in 2025?
– Up to $8,046 with three or more qualifying children.
– Up to $7,152 with two children.
– Up to $4,328 with one child.
– Up to $649 with no children.

Who is eligible?
– You must have a valid SSN for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and your qualifying children.
– You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire tax year.
– Your investment income must not exceed $11,950.
– You cannot claim the federal EITC with an ITIN.

What does this mean for immigrants?
– Immigrants without SSNs are excluded from the federal EITC.
– The Washington State Working Families Tax Credit helps fill this gap for ITIN filers.

Where to find more information?
– Visit the IRS EITC page for details.

Federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) – 2025 Changes

What is it?
The federal Child Tax Credit provides a tax break for families with children. In 2025, the rules have changed slightly.

How much can you get?
– Families with low or no tax liability may receive a partial refundable credit up to $1,700 per child.

Who is eligible?
– You must have a valid SSN for yourself and your child.
– The amount depends on your income and tax liability.

What does this mean for immigrants?
– Only families where both the taxpayer and the child have SSNs can claim the federal CTC.
– Many immigrant families are excluded if they use ITINs.

Washington State Recovery Rebate / Additional Working Families Tax Credit Support

What is it?
The Recovery Rebate is an extra cash payment for low-income households in Washington. It was created by state laws HB 1297 and SB 5387.

How much can you get?
– $500 per qualifying household, plus $150 for up to three children.

Who is eligible?
– Low-income households, including those who file taxes with an ITIN.
– Includes undocumented immigrants, certain visa holders, and survivors of domestic violence.

Why is this important?
– The Recovery Rebate helps the lowest-income families, especially those left out of federal programs.
– It supports survivors of domestic violence by giving them more financial independence.

How do you apply?
– The Recovery Rebate is included with the WFTC application.

Summary Table: Key Tax Benefits for Immigrants in Washington (2025)

Implications for Pending and Future Applications

If you have already filed your taxes but did not claim the Washington State Working Families Tax Credit or the Recovery Rebate, you can still apply for up to three previous years. This means you could receive a lump sum of up to $3,745 if you qualify for all three years. For those planning to file in 2026 for the 2025 tax year, make sure to gather all necessary documents, including proof of income and residency.

If you are waiting for a decision on a previous application, these updates do not change your eligibility, but you may want to check if you can claim additional credits for past years.

Policy Context and Expert Perspectives

Washington State’s approach to tax credits is seen as a model for other states. By including ITIN filers and undocumented immigrants, the state addresses gaps left by federal programs. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these policies are especially important for reducing poverty and promoting fairness among immigrant communities.

Advocates and experts agree that these credits help families cover basic needs, support children’s well-being, and boost the local economy. The focus on racial equity and inclusion means that more families, regardless of immigration status, can get the help they need.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

If you are an immigrant living in Washington State, here are the steps you should take to make sure you receive all the benefits you are eligible for:

• File your federal tax return using your ITIN if you do not have an SSN.
• Apply for the Washington State Working Families Tax Credit online or with help from a local organization.
• Check if you qualify for the Recovery Rebate as part of your WFTC application.
• Keep records of your residency and income.
• Apply retroactively if you missed credits in previous years.
• Contact local support organizations like Pacific County Immigrant Support (PCIS) for help.

Official Resources and Contacts

• Washington Department of Revenue – Working Families Tax Credit
• Pacific County Immigrant Support (PCIS): Phone/text (360) 912-0283 or (360) 342-0014, Email: [email protected]
• IRS Earned Income Tax Credit Information

Final Takeaways

The 2025 updates to tax credits in Washington State are good news for immigrants, especially those who use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers. The Washington State Working Families Tax Credit and Recovery Rebate provide direct cash support to families who need it most, including those left out of federal programs. By taking the right steps—filing your taxes, applying for state credits, and seeking help if needed—you can make sure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.

Washington’s inclusive policies set an example for other states and show a strong commitment to supporting all working families, regardless of immigration status. If you have questions or need help, reach out to the Washington Department of Revenue or local organizations for guidance.

Learn Today

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) → A tax processing number for individuals not eligible for Social Security Numbers to file federal taxes.
Washington State Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) → State tax credit providing refundable cash benefits to low-income workers, including immigrants using ITINs.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) → Federal refundable credit for low- and moderate-income workers requiring valid SSNs for taxpayer and children.
Recovery Rebate → Washington State’s additional cash payment for low-income households, included with the WFTC application.
Social Security Number (SSN) → A federal number issued to U.S. citizens and authorized residents for identification and tax purposes.

This Article in a Nutshell

Washington State continues to expand tax credits for immigrants in 2025, including ITIN filers, through the Working Families Tax Credit and Recovery Rebate. These programs provide vital financial support not available federally, helping low-income families access cash refunds and promote economic stability across the state’s diverse communities.
— By VisaVerge.com