SPOKANE, Wash. — The City of Spokane is collaborating with several local organizations, including SNAP, Nuestras Raíces, Spokane Public Schools, and LaunchNW, to promote the Department of Revenue’s (DOR) Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC). This initiative aims to raise awareness and increase participation among eligible families and individuals across Washington state.
The WFTC, which was established during Mayor Lisa Brown’s tenure in the state Legislature, offers annual payments of up to $1,255 to low-to-moderate income households. According to DOR estimates, nearly 30,000 families in Spokane County qualify for the credit, yet more than 17,000 have not yet applied. So far, 12,320 refunds have been distributed in the area, totaling $9,364,000 returned to Spokane County.
In an effort to enhance participation, the City of Spokane is utilizing a $250,000 allocation from the American Rescue Plan to support its partners in outreach and assistance efforts. These efforts will include community engagement activities, informational materials such as flyers and door hangers, and individualized tax assistance.
Spokane Public Schools has trained new school navigators to inform families about the WFTC and assist with the application process. Additionally, student volunteers from Eastern Washington University’s accounting program will help families navigate the application process. A multi-channel campaign, including print, digital, television, and radio advertisements, is also set to launch ahead of the tax preparation season.
“The Working Families Tax Credit is a vital tool for helping hardworking families make ends meet,” Mayor Lisa Brown said. “I am grateful to our partners at SNAP, Nuestras Raíces, and Spokane Public Schools for their critical work in helping families across Spokane County take advantage of this program.
“Nuestras Raices is as a safe space for our Latino community, people put their trust and hope in our services,” said Isabel Mazcot, Director of Economic Development at Nuestras Raíces. “We see the needs and we understand their struggles, we know this credit can go a long way for our families.”
