New efforts and marketing campaign to be launched utilizing ARPA funding
Erin Hut, Director of Communications, ehut@spokanecity.org
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 10 a.m.
The City of Spokane is teaming up with SNAP, Nuestras Raíces, Spokane Public Schools, and LaunchNW to raise awareness and encourage participation in the Department of Revenue’s (DOR) Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC).
Mayor Lisa Brown led on the creation of the WFTC during her time with the state Legislature and it is now available to families and individuals across Washington. The tax credit provides yearly payments of up to $1,255 to low-to-moderate income households and applications can be submitted for up to three years from the date federal tax returns were due.
The DOR estimates nearly 30,000 families in Spokane County are eligible, but more than 17,000 families have not yet taken advantage of the program. The latest data shows 12,320 refunds have been issued in locally, putting a total of $9,364,000 back into Spokane County.
In an effort to increase participation, the City of Spokane is working closely with local partners to not only raise awareness of the tax credit, but help individuals determine their eligibility and fill out applications.
Utilizing a $250,000 American Rescue Plan allocation, the City of Spokane is supporting SNAP, Nuestras Raíces and LaunchNW as they spread the word through local events, community engagement and outreach, as well as individualized tax assistance. Residents can also expect to see materials promoting the tax credit through flyers, door hangers, and social media.
Spokane Public Schools has equipped their new school navigators with information about the WFTC to help educate families and assist them in signing up.
Lastly, the City of Spokane is working with student volunteers from Eastern Washington University’s accounting program to help families apply and will be launching a print, digital, television, and radio campaign to spread awareness ahead of tax preparation season.
“The Working Families Tax Credit is a vital tool for helping hardworking families make ends meet. I am grateful to our partners at SNAP, Nuestras Raíces and Spokane Public Schools who are doing critical work to help families across Spokane County take advantage of this program,” Mayor Lisa Brown said.
“SNAP is thrilled to collaborate with our community partners to make sure more Spokane families know about and benefit from the Working Families Tax Credit. This initiative can make a real difference by putting extra funds back into the hands of hardworking residents,” said SNAP Philanthropy Manager Nicole Bishop. “With our shared outreach efforts, we’re committed to helping individuals understand their eligibility, access support, and successfully apply for this meaningful credit.”
“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.”
