Earned Income Tax Credit and Working Families Tax Credit: What’s the Deal?
What you need to know and where to get hassle-free help
Tax season is overwhelming for everyone, but you don’t have to weather it alone. Free, easy services open to all can help you with your tax preparation and questions.
The AARP Tax-Aide program provides free in-person or virtual tax help from trained, IRS-certified volunteers. This is available to taxpayers who are over 50 or who have low-to-moderate income.
Island County sites:
| Coupeville Library | South Whidbey Senior Center |
|---|---|
| 788 NW Alexander St.
February 1 – April 12 Wednesdays 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Call 360-678-3000 for appointments. Leave name, phone number, requested site, and date. |
14594 SR 525, Langley
February 2 – April 13 Thursdays 1 – 7 P.M. Call 360-676-3000 for appointments. Leave name, phone number, requested site, and date. |
| The Center in Oak Harbor | Oak Harbor Library |
|---|---|
| 51 SE Jerome St.
February 3 – April 14 Fridays 11:15 A.M. – 4 P.M. Call 360-279-4580 for appointments. |
1000 SE Regatta Dr
February 6 – April 18 Mondays 1 – 7 P.M. Tuesdays 9:30 A.M. – 5 P.M. Appointments available on-site with Tax-Aide volunteers. |
Washington State individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements may receive up to a $1,200 credit on their tax returns.
People who qualify include those who are eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on their 2022 tax return, or who would meet the requirements for EITC but are filing with an ITIN.
Recipients must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), have lived in Washington a minimum of 183 days in 2022 (over half the year), and have filed a 2022 federal tax return.
Recipients must either:
- Be at least 25 and under 65 years of age, or
- Have had a qualifying child in 2022.
People who work and have a low to moderate income may be eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. If you qualify, you could receive a credit on your tax return, with the amount depending on your filing status and dependents.
Complete the IRS EITC Assistant to see if you qualify.
Recipients must have worked during the year filed and earned income under $59,187.
Recipients must have a Social Security number, which does not include those with an ITIN number.
The EITC has special qualifying rules for military members, clergy members, and taxpayers or their relatives with disabilities.
Using services such as TurboTax and H&R Block can be a useful tool, but these cannot subtract Veteran’s Affairs disability benefits from annual income calculations. This could incorrectly disqualify people and families from qualifying for tax credits. These services also charge you to include these tax credits in your tax returns.
